The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

Picture this: A dreary English day, rain pattering against windowpanes, a steaming cup of tea in hand, and a book that transports you to a world where magic shimmers just beneath the surface of our own. That’s the enchanting experience awaiting readers in Sangu Mandanna’s “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.”

As someone who’s always been drawn to tales of witchcraft and found families, I dove into this book with high hopes—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Mandanna weaves a story that’s part cozy mystery, part romance, and all heart. It’s the literary equivalent of wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly evening, complete with a dash of whimsy and a sprinkle of magic.

A Witch’s Tale: Unveiling the Plot

Meet Mika Moon, our protagonist and resident witch-in-hiding. She’s been living a life of careful isolation, following the strict rules laid down by her mentor Primrose: don’t mingle with other witches, don’t draw attention, and above all, keep your magic under wraps. But Mika’s got a rebellious streak (don’t we all?), and she can’t resist posting witchy videos online under the guise of playful make-believe.

Little does she know, those videos are about to change her life. An mysterious message arrives, begging her to come to Nowhere House and teach three young witches how to control their magic. It’s risky, it breaks all the rules, but something tugs at Mika’s heart. Before she knows it, she’s swept up in the lives of these magical children and the eclectic group of adults who care for them.

Cast of Characters: A Motley Crew of Misfits

Oh boy, where do I start with this lovable bunch? We’ve got:

• Rosetta, Terracotta, and Altamira: The three young witches, each with their own distinct personality and magical quirks.
• Jamie: The grumpy-but-secretly-soft librarian (and let’s be real, prime romantic interest material).
• Ian and Ken: An adorable retired actor and his gardener husband.
• Lucie: The warm-hearted housekeeper.

And that’s just scratching the surface! Mandanna has a knack for creating characters that feel so real, you’ll swear you’ve met them before. They’re flawed, they’re funny, and they’ll worm their way into your heart before you know it.

Romance in the Air: Sparks Fly (Literally)

Now, I’m a sucker for a good slow-burn romance, and Mika and Jamie’s relationship delivers in spades. Their banter crackles with electricity (sometimes literally—magic, remember?), and watching them dance around their growing feelings is both frustrating and delightful. It’s the kind of romance that has you yelling “Just kiss already!” at the book while simultaneously savoring every moment of tension.

Themes That Resonate: Finding Your Place in the World

At its core, “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” is about belonging. Mika has spent her whole life feeling like an outsider, never allowing herself to put down roots or form deep connections. Sound familiar to anyone else? (Just me? Okay then.)

Watching her slowly open up to the possibility of family and love is incredibly moving. It’s a journey that many of us can relate to, even if we don’t have magical powers (unfortunately).

The Magic of Found Family

One of the strongest themes in the book is the power of chosen family. The residents of Nowhere House have created their own little clan, bound not by blood but by love and shared experiences. It’s a beautiful reminder that family doesn’t always look the way we expect it to, and that sometimes the people who understand us best are the ones we choose to let into our lives.

Breaking the Rules: When Tradition Needs Shaking Up

There’s also a fascinating exploration of when and why we should question the rules we’ve always followed. Mika’s journey forces her to confront the isolationist teachings she’s grown up with and ask whether there might be a better way. It’s a theme that resonates beyond the magical world, encouraging readers to examine the traditions and beliefs we often accept without question.

Mandanna’s Writing: A Spellbinding Style

Can we take a moment to appreciate Sangu Mandanna’s writing? It’s like… imagine if your wittiest friend decided to tell you a bedtime story. Her prose is warm, inviting, and sprinkled with just the right amount of humor. She has a way of drawing you into the world of Nowhere House so completely that you’ll find yourself looking up from the book, blinking in surprise to find yourself in your own mundane, magic-less living room.

Magical Moments: Bringing the Wonder to Life

One of my favorite aspects of the book is how Mandanna describes magic. It’s not all wand-waving and Latin incantations here. Instead, magic is described as a living, breathing entity—gold dust shimmering in the air, responding to the witches’ desires. It’s beautifully evocative and adds a layer of wonder to even the smallest magical moments.

Pacing and Plot: A Cozy Mystery with Heart

While the overarching story revolves around Mika finding her place in the world, there’s also a mystery element that keeps the plot moving forward. The question of what happened to the absent archaeologist Lillian and the looming threat of a nosy solicitor add just enough tension to keep you turning pages without ever losing that cozy, warm feeling.

Not Just Another Witchy Tale: What Sets This Book Apart

In a market that’s pretty saturated with stories about witches, “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” manages to stand out. Here’s why:

• Diversity Done Right: Mandanna seamlessly incorporates characters from different backgrounds without making it feel forced or preachy. It’s just a natural reflection of the world we live in.
• Adult Perspective: While there are young characters, this is very much an adult story dealing with adult themes of belonging, trust, and opening oneself up to love.
• British Charm: The setting is quintessentially English, from the dreary weather to the copious amounts of tea consumed. It adds an extra layer of coziness to the whole affair.
• Humor with Heart: The book is genuinely funny in places, but never at the expense of emotional depth. It strikes a perfect balance between lighthearted moments and more serious themes.

A Few Nitpicks (Because No Book is Perfect)

Look, I loved this book, but in the interest of a balanced review, here are a couple of tiny quibbles:

• The pacing in the middle section can feel a tad slow at times. But honestly? I was enjoying the characters so much I didn’t really mind.
• Some readers might find the resolution to the central conflict a bit too neat. Personally, I’m a sucker for a happy ending, so this didn’t bother me at all.

The Verdict: A Magical Must-Read

“The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” is like a warm hug in book form. It’s the perfect read for anyone who:

• Loves stories about found family and belonging
• Enjoys a cozy mystery with a dash of romance
• Has ever felt like an outsider looking for their place in the world
• Appreciates British humor and charm
• Wants to believe, just for a little while, that magic might be real

I laughed, I cried (just a little—don’t tell anyone), and I finished the book feeling like I’d just spent time with dear friends. If you’re looking for an escape from the real world that will leave you feeling uplifted and maybe just a tiny bit magical, this is the book for you.

For Fans of…

• “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune (another heartwarming tale of found family and magic)
• “Practical Magic” by Alice Hoffman (for more witchy goodness)
• “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig (exploring themes of belonging and life choices)

About the Author

Sangu Mandanna is an author to watch. While “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” is her adult debut, she’s no stranger to the writing world. Her previous works include young adult novels like “The Lost Girl” and the “Celestial Trilogy.” With this foray into adult fiction, Mandanna proves she’s equally adept at crafting stories that resonate with readers of all ages.

Final Thoughts: A Spell Well Cast

As I closed the final pages of “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches,” I found myself wishing I could book a stay at Nowhere House (unfortunately, my attempts to manifest this ability have so far been unsuccessful). Mandanna has created a world and characters that linger in your mind long after you’ve finished reading.

This book is a reminder of the magic that exists in everyday life—the magic of connection, of finding your people, and of allowing yourself to be truly known. It’s a spell woven with words, and one that I think many readers will find themselves happily enchanted by.

So, brew yourself a cup of tea, find a cozy nook, and prepare to be swept away to Nowhere House. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself checking the mail for your own invitation to join a secret society of witches afterward!