This book is more complicated than you think it’s going to be just by the premise, which admittedly is a great way to get you in to the book. Basically, in the world of this book, which is only about a hairsbreadth away from being our world, some middle-aged women develop magical/supernatural powers when they are going through menopause. These are the protectors, the healers, the fighters, and the witches.
Our three main characters are Nessa, Harriett, and Jo, and they find each other at the exact right time. The friendship they forge and the sense of purpose they make is so uplifting. Even when some dark stuff was happening, the relationships between these women and the people that they love was incredibly heartening. It also doesn’t hurt that the main plot of this book features the three of them helping to solve the murders and disappearances of young, unwanted girls in their community, and getting in the way of a lot of shitty men along the way.
The Change is one of those books that probably shouldn’t be five stars, and I did have some little nitpicky things with it, but overall I just had such a good time that I bumped up my rating. I will definitely be re-reading sometime in the future, and will be checking out more books from this author in the future.
More books about middle-aged women being awesome!!
[4.5 stars]