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Cover of THE CONJURING OF AMERICA
4.43

Based on 90 Goodreads ratings

THE CONJURING OF AMERICA

by tracing the transformations of the conjure woman from the Negro Mammy during slavery to the Candy Lady, a revered elder in Black communities during the Civil Rights Movement. Powerful figures in Blacks’ battles against racism and sexism, conjure women have inhabited many roles, among them, healers, spiritual guides, midwives and abortion providers, weavers and quilters, hairdressers, and cooks. Enslaved African women brought their ancestors’ use of natural medicine to the plantation, where Negro Mammies applied methods that were noninvasive and boosted the immune system, far different from medical doctors’ bloodletting and purging. Among one Negro Mammy’s remedies was a salve containing turpentine, which cleared airways so effectively it was sought after by whites, including one Southern man who made a fortune marketing it as Vicks VapoRub. In antebellum New Orleans, the Voodoo Queen was central to a community of free women of color who worshiped mermaids. Associated with rebellion and vengeance, Voodoo Queens inspired fear in their white neighbors. Stewart traces the connections of conjure to Aunt Jemima (whose image derived from a minstrel act), the invention of the blues, and even the creation of blue jeans, first made and worn by enslaved people and sewn from “negro cloth,” dyed with the West African plant indigo. Conjure emerges in the art of hairdressers, in cooks whose soul food has the power to bring good luck, and in quilters who designed “busy patterns” in their blankets to distract spirits that brought bad luck. Stewart melds personal reflections, African mythology, and abundant primary sources, most notably interviews conducted by the Federal Writers’ Project, to create a brisk, spirited narrative."

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Pages:352
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9781538769

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This gripping historical fantasy novel reimagines America's founding through a supernatural lens, blending authentic colonial history with magical elements that will captivate young adult readers. Th...

Our Review

This gripping historical fantasy novel reimagines America's founding through a supernatural lens, blending authentic colonial history with magical elements that will captivate young adult readers. The narrative follows a group of young protagonists who discover that the American Revolution was shaped not just by political ideals but by powerful occult forces and ancient magical conflicts. Through vivid world-building and fast-paced adventure, the book explores what might have happened if witchcraft and supernatural abilities played a crucial role in the nation's birth.

What sets this apart is its seamless integration of historical accuracy with imaginative fantasy, creating an educational yet thrilling reading experience perfect for teens who enjoy alternative history and magical adventures. The characters' struggles with both supernatural threats and real historical dilemmas provide meaningful connections to America's complex origins while delivering plenty of magical action. Readers will finish the book looking at early American history through an entirely new and fascinating perspective.

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