I got this from the Harlech Coleg library closing-down sale, which is sad :( This is a book group choice for January'19

(12/12/18) *includes spoilers* This is an odd little book, almost a novella, set in an unworldly timeless South London - written in 1967, but with very few clues to the external world. The story follows orphaned Melanie, 15 and newly aware of her womanhood and possible place in the world, and her younger brother and sister. In the tragic aftermath of their parents deaths in a flying accident in America the siblings are packed off to a mysterious maternal Uncle and the ‘Magic Toyshop’ of the title. Here they meet the monstrous Uncle Philip, his wife, dumb and ethereal Irish Aunt Margaret, and her brothers Finn and Francie. Melanie and her life closes in on itself, with some consolation of a growing relationship with her new-found in-laws, fellow abuse victims of the mercurial toy-maker and bully. They all become players in his elaborate puppet shows, but eventually the growing tensions spill into violence and revelations of a secret relationship. Melanie again finds herself cast out into the adult world, born of fire and death.

This was a hard book to like, despite the incredible hand-made toys, it is mostly set in a grey and unlovely world that Angela Carter has created. Not a typical coming-of-age novel, it's too depressing for that, but a brooding study of control and power and (one hopes) the enduring strength and resilience of the human spirit.

Following a very interesting discussion (a 'marmite' book!) this is going on the sharing bookshelf. Your views are appreciated. Thank you.