The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey

Nairna Liath’s whole life is uprooted following the death of her Nan, and now she’s traveling with her father, using her ability to interpret tarot cards for money. One day, she meets a wealthy stranger who sees something special in her. The encounter offers her the chance to transform her life by joining an elite Spiritualist society. Her new life quickly faces upheaval when a seance gone wrong ends in scandal, forcing her to relocate outside of Boston, where she reinvents herself as Nora Grey.

The historical setting is key to understanding the journey of Nairna as she becomes Nora, as she’s uprooted from a comfortable life to go on the road with her charlatan father. Her journey mirrors the heartbreaking struggle of Lottie, whose flashbacks add depth and emotional weight to the story. Through these, you also see the correlation between spiritualism and witchcraft, particularly through the dangers presented to the characters. The exploration of spiritualism is fascinating as it’s woven around the trials Nairna faces during its height, which also weaves in historical elements such as experiments, society perception, and scandals. A spellbinding read, /Nora Grey/ explores themes of feminine rage and agency, spiritualism, and witchcraft against a satisfying journey of self-discovery and empowerment.