The Limits of Enchantment

An extraordinary story of a young woman coming of age, a novel of superstition and midwifery set in the dark heart of the English Midlands in the 1960s. Taught the art of midwifery at an early age, Fern grows up as assistant to her adoptive mother, Mammy an unlicensed midwife with a shadow in her past . From Mammy she learns that secrets are precious, men can't be trusted, hippies are filthy and people should generally mind their own business. When one of Mammy's patients allegedly dies from a potion prescribed to induce an abortion, the towns' people rally against her outdated methods and Mammy ends up hospitalized due to a fall and a broken heart. Alone and vulnerable, Fern is threatened with eviction if she can't find the overdue rent. Her only friends seem to be a bunch of hippies and a young woman with hoop earrings who has a mysterious connection to Mammy. As Fern struggles to save her home and Mammy's good name, everything around her begins to transform and she uncovers secrets from the past which may help her in the present. This is a story of the strength and courage of women, midwifery, superstition, magic, truth and identity.

‘Some wonderful social comedy as well as a sense of potential betrayal. He is a writer fascinated by his factual material, and by characters who would not be the same without it’ The Independent

‘Intricate, involving … Joyce has produced a wonderful portrait of England. This remarkable novel should scoop Joyce out of the dusty corners of bookshops and introduce his work to a much wider readership’ The Guardian

‘As solid, balanced, and finely tuned as anything Joyce has written, and that is tantamount to saying it’s about as finely tuned as any recent fiction we have’ Locus

'Enjoy this captivating tale in one sitting.' The Historical Novel Society

'Thick with ominous mystery but never sacrificing its characters’ integrity in deference to atmosphere or plot.' Kirkus

'Fern is one of his best realized characters to date. This novel's old-fashioned sense of values and heartwarming depiction of customs of home and community are sure to charm fans and new readers alike.' Publishers Weekly

‘Joyce weaves a vibrant, skilful portrait of both worlds, peopled with fascinating characters so convincing you’d believe he’d lived through it. The book is gripping, and the writing from this one-man genre astonishingly accomplished. It will live with you long after you grudgingly turn that final page. Graham Joyce is a magnificent writer. A national treasure’ Dreamwatch

‘Joyce unfolds a beguiling story of witchcraft with the kind of confidence and skill that comes from depth of experience. A very fine, very subtle novel’ SFX