Review
Mamma Lucy don’t suffer fools, she don’t take no sass, and she ain’t no witch. Call her hoodoo woman, conjure lady, root doctor, but call her right — you may have need of her.
From Georgia to Vermont, Mamma Lucy travels a long road, facing the darkness and injustices of haint-ridden nineteen twenties America, silver dimes at her ankle and hoodoo at her side.
Ain’t No Witch by John Linwood Grant is a captivating and evocative collection of stories centered around Mama Lucy, a practitioner of hoodoo, healer, and no-nonsense force of nature. Set against the backdrop of America during the Jim Crow era, the book blends folklore, historical realism, and the supernatural into a vivid and memorable reading experience.
One of the first things that stood out to me was how seamlessly the historical setting was woven into the narrative. The time period feels well-researched, not in a heavy-handed or overly academic way, but with a natural authenticity that lets the reader slip into the era with ease. The social and racial tensions of the time are present and impactful, yet never overshadow the personal, character-driven nature of the stories. Instead, they add depth and context, grounding the supernatural elements in a very real, very human world.
Mama Lucy is the heart and soul of this collection. She’s not flashy or overly dramatic. Just steady, wise, and compelling. She doesn’t go looking for trouble, but she always seems to find herself exactly where she needs to be, helping people whose troubles call out to her. I loved her grounded voice and her quiet, matter-of-fact way of moving through the world. Her strength isn’t in spells and spectacle, it’s in compassion, experience, and a deep understanding of both people and spirits.
What made this collection particularly enjoyable for me was the way it blends the mystical with the mundane. The hoodoo and supernatural elements are undeniably present, but they’re woven into everyday life with such ease that they never feel out of place. Instead of grand, world-ending magic, we get subtle, intimate moments. It’s a refreshing change from more bombastic fantasy fare and gives the stories a unique feel that lingers long after you’ve finished reading.
In short, Ain’t No Witch is a beautifully crafted collection that combines folklore, social history, and a touch of the supernatural. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy to explore fantasy outside the usual settings and tropes.
