Vassa In the Night

 

Shirley J.             Young Adult Fiction                                 Witchcraft, Enchanted Beings, Brooklyn

Vassa In The Night by Sarah Porter   304 pages

I kept picturing Mayim Bialik as the main character (Amy Farafalla-Big Bang Theory; Blossom) in this modern fairytale.  I think it was the dialogue, fast and witty not Gilmore Girl fast, but, quick and funny.  Vassa's Mom was a well to do (should I say rich?) artistic witch, whose best friend, also a witch, created a special doll for Vassa named Erg who just happens to talk and talk tough.  She sounds like a moll from a 40s gangster movie, she has an insatiable appetite for food, she is fierce and loyal holding an all encompassing love and protective streak for Vassa.   Now after Vassa's parents split up and later her Mom passes away Vassa ends up in Brooklyn and that is where the story takes place.   There are 2 step-sisters, an enchanted store that moves and walks, a store proprietress who kills shoplifters and occasionally shoppers, there are furry lawyers and a mysterious possibly alien motorcycle rider who is mostly silent and fades into the night.   In the beginning of the book I thought, If Lewis Carroll and Timothy Leary co-authored a story this would be it.  It has elements of Alice in Wonderland, and acid trip and the Twilight Zone all wrapped in one telling.   After the initial WTFudge...?  I loved it by the end.   Maybe thinking of Mayim Bialik was what did it.  While the book is said to be geared to the YA crowd, Vassa cusses from time to time, which is not unknown to that age group but gave me pause to think perhaps this is meant for an older reading crowd.   I guess I will stick with the YA recommendation but get ready kiddies for Mr. Toad's Wild Ride!  I think after the initial shock wears off all ages will enjoy this one.