This book was generously given to me in exchange for an honest review. I had previously read, and enjoyed, another novel by Menna Van Praag titled, The Dress Shop of Dreams so I knew going into this book that I would likely enjoy it. As with Praag's previous work, The Witches of Cambridge is more about real life issues than it is about witchcraft. It is about a group of everyday, normal people who are all connected in some way. People who have hopes and dreams, who sometimes make mistakes and use their special gifts for the wrong reasons. I read about friendship, love, longing, and loss and could empathize with each and every character.
Is there witchcraft in the story? Yes. Most of it fun and light and generally well meaning with just a little taste of the dark and malevolent mixed in to add some spice to the story. I think my favorite character was Noa in that she was also the most lost. Her gift? To read the thoughts of others and be brutally honest about what she finds. She doesn't start out having a lot of friends due to this habit but I think she really grows the most throughout the story and learns a lot about herself and what is really important. I loved her ending as well.
All of the characters were interesting and I was invested in their stories. The only negative I have is that it was hard to get to know the characters at the beginning because it jumped from one to the other a bit too quickly for me. Once I got everyone straight and the story kicked in, I was hooked. Another success for this Menna Van Pragg. :)
