Whether in police station or school, Emily is continually denigrated and shamed. Happily she has support. From the start, we know Rosemary and some of her family members are uncommon and that their differences might be dangerous. Rosemary's mother is a clairvoyant healer and her sister Con speaks without words, laughs mostly inside, and can be miles away from her books and their pages mysteriously turn as she reads them. The author gives Rosemary a lyrical voice perfectly crafted to show her unusually sensitive link with nature.
Wood strips away the veneer of the society.
We learn the village is governed by superstitions and ruled by a woman who distrusts anyone with differences and works to fan fears born of ignorance into a witch-hunt atmosphere. In a crescendo ending, Rosemary's sister Con flees from potential harm and her new artist friend also leaves to find a more accepting community. Magic adds appeal to a story already strong with character depth, beautiful prose and powerful human truths.