The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna follows Mika Moon, a witch who discovers a hidden community of witches meeting in secret. Set against the backdrop of the Outer Hebrides, this enchanting novel explores themes of friendship, belonging, and the complexities of magic. As Mika navigates her relationships with other witches and faces challenges from antagonists, she learns about the power of connection and self-acceptance. This captivating story is perfect for fans of magical realism and contemporary fantasy. Readers will enjoy the blend of humor and heartfelt moments throughout the narrative.

Key Points

  • Follows Mika Moon as she discovers a hidden community of witches in the Outer Hebrides.
  • Explores themes of friendship, belonging, and the complexities of magic.
  • Features a diverse cast of characters, including antagonists that challenge Mika’s journey.
  • Combines humor and heartfelt moments, appealing to fans of magical realism.
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Sangu Mandanna
261 pages
Language:English
Type:Short Story
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Sangu Mandanna
261 pages
Language:English
Type:Short Story
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Sangu Mandanna
261 pages
Language:English
Type:Short Story
141

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches pdf

/ 261
he Very Secret Society of Witches met on the third Thursday of every
third month, but that was just about the only thing that never changed.
They never met in the same place twice; the last meeting, for instance, had
been in Belinda Nkala’s front room and had involved freshly baked scones,
and the one before that had been in the glorious sunshine of Agatha Jones’s
garden. This meeting, on a cold, wet October afternoon, happened to be
taking place on a tiny, abandoned pier in the Outer Hebrides.
A pier. In the Outer Hebrides. In October.
Of course, they weren’t actually called the Very Secret Society of
Witches. They weren’t called anything at all, which was why Mika Moon
had decided to come up with a name for them herself. She had cycled
through several alternatives first, like the League of Extraordinary Witches
and the Super Secret Society of Witchy Witches. She was still rather fond of
the latter.
The ridiculous names were mostly to annoy Primrose, the ancient and
very proper head of the group, a position Primrose had presumably
bestowed upon herself at some point in the past hundred years or so. (This
might have been something of an exaggeration on Mika’s part, but it was
impossible to tell how old Primrose really was. She wouldn’t say.)
Now, huddled as deep into her coat as she could get, Mika rocked
impatiently on the balls of her feet as twenty other witches joined her on the
pier. This, she supposed, was another thing that almost never changed: their
number. Mika was one of the newest additions to the thing-that-was-
definitely-not-a-society, and she’d been part of it for almost ten years,
which meant it had been a very long time since they’d welcomed anyone
new. This was not to say that there were only twenty-one adult witches in
/ 261
End of Document
141

FAQs

What is the significance of the meeting location for the witches?
The witches of the very secret society meet in different locations each time, which adds an element of secrecy and excitement to their gatherings. For instance, their latest meeting took place on a tiny, abandoned pier in the Outer Hebrides, reflecting the group's commitment to safety and discretion. This variability in location is part of their tradition, as they never meet in the same place twice, which also emphasizes the transient nature of their community.
How does Mika Moon feel about Primrose Beatrice Beverly?
Mika Moon has a complex relationship with Primrose Beatrice Beverly. While she is grateful to Primrose for keeping her safe and bringing her to England after her childhood in India, she resents Primrose's autocratic nature and the inconsistent presence in her life. Mika feels that Primrose's rules, which are meant to protect them, often stifle her individuality and freedom, especially as she navigates her own life as a witch.
What rules does Primrose enforce regarding the witches' interactions?
Primrose enforces strict rules regarding the witches' interactions to ensure their safety. She believes that too much magic in one place can draw attention, so there are no connections allowed between the witches outside of their meetings. This means no visits, texts, or emails, effectively isolating them from one another except for the brief time they spend together every three months.
What unique spells are shared during the witches' meeting?
During the witches' meeting, several unique spells are shared among the members. These include a spell for more restful sleep, a potion that temporarily turns cat fur pink, a spell for finding a lost item, and a spell to vanish dark circles under the eyes. The sharing of spells highlights the witches' magical abilities and the camaraderie that develops during their limited time together.
Why does Mika Moon upload witchy videos online?
Mika Moon uploads witchy videos online as a form of performance and self-expression, embracing the popular witch aesthetic known as 'witchcore.' She insists that her videos are just for entertainment and that viewers do not perceive her as a real witch. However, this activity causes tension with Primrose, who fears it may put their community at risk.
What is the background of witches being orphans according to Primrose?
According to Primrose, witches are invariably orphans due to a spell that went wrong in a bygone era. This belief is rooted in the idea that when a witch is born, she will lose her parents shortly thereafter, regardless of the circumstances. While Mika is skeptical of this explanation, she acknowledges the reality that many witches, including herself, grow up without parental figures.
How does the group of witches handle personal troubles during meetings?
During their meetings, the witches take turns sharing personal troubles, which creates a space for support and camaraderie. For example, Hilda Kim expresses her struggle with hiding her magic from her fiancée, prompting a discussion about sacrifices for the greater good. This sharing of personal issues, however, is often accompanied by humor and gossip, revealing the witches' close-knit yet playful dynamics.