Just Magic by Alice Oaken
"This was Liverpool, this was magic. And so, hand in hand, completely mutually exclusive, they existed together, twisting the fate of individuals who crossed their paths.
But would they notice?"
Just Magic is a young adult magical realism novel that explores the existence of magic in the city of Liverpool and the influence it can have on a person. Comprised of four short stories, this novel offers a glance into the lives of four very different university students, all who are navigating their own form of youth. Magic is missed, denied, utilised and noticed, depending on the individual.
Includes four beautiful chapter illustrations.
We meet Jae, a talkative, lonely girl who is deftly directed by magic towards the Tate and the boy sitting inside.
Uriah is overcome with meaninglessness and, after being pushed through a pond, is not sure if he has been given a second chance.
Saoirse's magic ring allows her to change her face and she is secure in her anonymity until she meets a quirky girl in a coffee shop.
Finally, Tom meets a girl in a dream and quickly develops feelings for her, joyful until she realises that she must wake up.