Octagon Magic

Andre Norton has as usuall given us a book of to make the imagination work over time. Very enjoyable.

The dollhouse and rocking horse of old Miss Ashemeade (rumored to be a witch) are by no means the usual playthings of little girls. That's the point behind Andre Norton's new book, "Octagon Magic." From these "toys," eleven-year-old Lorrie Mallard is mentally transported to a forgotten time in the home's history. The mini-adventures Lorrie experiences serve moral lessons applicable to the real world of the new student in town. Using magic as a method of teaching never quite occurred to me and seeing it thus applied, through daydreaming episodes, makes this storyline unique for young and adult readers alike. From an adult perspective I found it hard to stop reading. The story opened in action with teasing by Stan Wormiski (name indicative of his behavior), and continued so throughout its ten chapters. Lorrie's Canadian background is a bit vague, especially as regards the brief mention of her parents, but otherwise handled well. The book, after all, concerns her future, not her past. Magic is meant to be mysterious, and its secrets help Lorrie to eventually accept her new environment. Reviewed by Sarah Jones for Flamingnet Book Reviews. www.flamingnet.com Preteen, teen, and young adult book reviews and recommendations.

When Grandmother Mallard, whom she lived with, went to England to recuperate from the surgery under the care of a close friend, eleven-year-old Lorrie Mallard left Canada to live with her Aunt Margaret in the States. Lorrie is unhappy in America as she struggles to adjust while nasty boys like Rob Lockner, Jimmy Purvis and Stan Wormiski taunt her as a Canuck who walks like a duck. Needing to escape the teasing of the terrible threesome, Lorrie climbs the front gate to Octagon House where Hallie, the servant to the alleged witch elderly Miss Charlotta Ashemeade residing there, greets her. After a terrible week highlighted by Rob's disgusting sister Kathy "killing" her doll Miranda, Lorrie runs to Octagon House where Hallie introduces her to Miss Charlotta. When the child comes home she tells Aunt Margaret about her visit to Octagon House and receives permission to return. At the house, Lorrie searches for Sabina the cat and finds a strange room with a dollhouse and old dolls inside. That leads the exploring child back in time to the nineteenth century where she meets Lotta Ashemeade, Phin and Phoebe. Lorrie's adventures into understanding behavior have just begun. The reissue of the second "Magic" tale (see STEAL MAGIC) will bring joy to preadolescent readers. The story line focuses on unhappy Lorrie as she fails to adjust to her environs, blaming others for her misery. She and the key cast are fully developed so that her woes seem genuine and monumental (remember she is a sixth grader). Her escapade into the Victorian Age provides her with lessons in group dynamics and inter-human relationships that she takes back to her present as memories. Though too slow for adults, the ten to twelve year old crowd will appreciate a visit to Octagon House. Harriet Klausner

I've been searching all over for this book, which was such a delightful read when I was younger. The combination of magic and history in this wonderful story makes this a terrific gem for children of all ages. It's especially touching for anyone who has ever pretended to be someone else, and wished it could become reality. In these days of Harry Potter and magic mania, I would love to see this book reprinted for a new generation.

I hope every young adult discovers this wonderful little book. Lorrie, the main character, has problems to deal with just like all young adults. Then one day she enters a mysterious house where she travels back in time. But most importantly, Lorrie meets a wise old woman who helps Lorrie to grow as a person.