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Too Many Magpies
Can we believe in magic and spells? Can we put our faith in science?
A young mother married to a scientist fears for her children’s safety as the natural world around her becomes ever more uncertain. Until, that is, she meets a charismatic stranger who seems to offer a different kind of power… But is he a saviour or a frightening danger? And, as her life is overturned, what is happening to her children whom she vowed to keep safe? Why is her son Danny now acting so strangely?
In this haunting, urgent and timely novel, Elizabeth Baines brings her customary searing insight to the problems of sorting our rational from our irrational fears and of bringing children into a newly precarious world. In prose that spins its own spell she exposes our hidden desires and the scientific and magical modes of thinking which have got us to where we are now.
A young mother married to a scientist fears for her children’s safety as the natural world around her becomes ever more uncertain. Until, that is, she meets a charismatic stranger who seems to offer a different kind of power… But is he a saviour or a frightening danger? And, as her life is overturned, what is happening to her children whom she vowed to keep safe? Why is her son Danny now acting so strangely?
In this haunting, urgent and timely novel, Elizabeth Baines brings her customary searing insight to the problems of sorting our rational from our irrational fears and of bringing children into a newly precarious world. In prose that spins its own spell she exposes our hidden desires and the scientific and magical modes of thinking which have got us to where we are now.
- GenresFiction
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
51 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Baines
19 books27 followersNovelist, short story writer and playwright. Latest novel ASTRAL TRAVEL, published by Salt. Also available from Salt: novels TOO MANY MAGPIES and THE BIRTH MACHINE, and two collections of stories, USED TO BE and BALANCING ON THE EDGE OF THE WORLD.
Praise for Elizabeth's work:
'Intricately beautiful and abruptly brutal ... I greedily consumed every paragraph, and yearned for more free time when I had to put the book down to do something inconsequential like work or sleep ... I can't remember the last time a work of fiction aroused such sympathy and indignant anger in me ... one of the most memorable and brilliant books I've read this year' - Bookmunch on Astral Travel.
'It'll blow you away when you least expect it' - Charlie Place, The Worm Hole on Used to Be.
'Moving and compelling' - Sarah Salway on Too Many Magpies
'Quite swept me off my feet' - Dovegreyreader on Balancing on the Edge of the World
'A gripping story, a pithy book' - Katy Campbell on The Birth Machine
Praise for Elizabeth's work:
'Intricately beautiful and abruptly brutal ... I greedily consumed every paragraph, and yearned for more free time when I had to put the book down to do something inconsequential like work or sleep ... I can't remember the last time a work of fiction aroused such sympathy and indignant anger in me ... one of the most memorable and brilliant books I've read this year' - Bookmunch on Astral Travel.
'It'll blow you away when you least expect it' - Charlie Place, The Worm Hole on Used to Be.
'Moving and compelling' - Sarah Salway on Too Many Magpies
'Quite swept me off my feet' - Dovegreyreader on Balancing on the Edge of the World
'A gripping story, a pithy book' - Katy Campbell on The Birth Machine
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 7, 2017
I enjoyed this. Elizabeth Baines writes in a beautiful but quite sparse way, and even though the book isn't Magic Realism she writes in a sort of Magic Realist style. The book follows a married woman with two kids under 5 who embarks upon an affair, and what I liked about this was how it mostly explores how the affair effects her relationship with her children. The writing is really strong and the premise very interesting.
September 17, 2015
This is a beautifully written and a strangely intriguing story that follows one woman who is thrown off course when she meets a charismatic man that challenges and changes her opinions and priorities, despite her every effort to do the 'right thing'. This isn't my usual read and it is not a particularly light one despite being relatively short but it is worth while giving a go as it challenges the reader as much as it does the lead character. The use of magpies to illustrate and hint at the black and white nature of societal views is masterful and compliments the reality, which is very different and much messier.
February 6, 2018
Too Many Magpies by Elizabeth Baines is published by Salt, an independent publisher that specialises in literary fiction. It was published in 2009 but I picked up a copy in Waterstones this week, attracted by the title and the synopsis on the back.
It's a novella narrated by a woman with two small children, five-year-old Danny and baby Sam. She's married to Richard, a scientist who supposedly sees the world in very clear and scientific terms. And yet he seems to latch on to unproven or speculative scientific theories expressed in single papers that are easily debunked. He doesn't trust supermarket vegetables or bread because of the chemicals they might contain, and the couple have an agreement that their children must only ever eat sugar on their birthdays. When the narrator, increasingly anxious about her children's safety, unnerved by her eldest son's eerie maturity and odd behaviour and gradually becoming strangely fearful of the natural world around her, meets a mysterious, free-spirited stranger who couldn't be more different from Richard, she's irresistibly drawn to him. But who is he? And which man should she trust?
Too Many Magpies has an unsettling, rather oppressive atmosphere, full of uncertainty and inner conflict as the narrator is torn between the rational and the instinctive - although is Richard's supposed rationalism, which prompts him to bar his family from eating eggs for a whole year because of a single, subsequently disproven theory that they will cause a build-up of cholesterol, really very rational at all?
Although I'm not a parent, I found the narrator's anxieties about her children convincing. It's unclear whether her fears are justified; she certainly appears to witness some strange occurrences but it's also suggested that she may be in the grip of post-natal depression. It also has an ominous, almost pre-apocalyptic feel, with the narrator frightened by the sudden multiplying of the magpies in the title, and freak weather conditions that may or may not be a result of climate change. This does, however, make this a rather intense read, and although it's exceptionally well-written - it reads almost like an extended prose poem and feels remarkably timely and relevant - I don't think I could have stuck with it if it had been any longer.
It's a novella narrated by a woman with two small children, five-year-old Danny and baby Sam. She's married to Richard, a scientist who supposedly sees the world in very clear and scientific terms. And yet he seems to latch on to unproven or speculative scientific theories expressed in single papers that are easily debunked. He doesn't trust supermarket vegetables or bread because of the chemicals they might contain, and the couple have an agreement that their children must only ever eat sugar on their birthdays. When the narrator, increasingly anxious about her children's safety, unnerved by her eldest son's eerie maturity and odd behaviour and gradually becoming strangely fearful of the natural world around her, meets a mysterious, free-spirited stranger who couldn't be more different from Richard, she's irresistibly drawn to him. But who is he? And which man should she trust?
Too Many Magpies has an unsettling, rather oppressive atmosphere, full of uncertainty and inner conflict as the narrator is torn between the rational and the instinctive - although is Richard's supposed rationalism, which prompts him to bar his family from eating eggs for a whole year because of a single, subsequently disproven theory that they will cause a build-up of cholesterol, really very rational at all?
Although I'm not a parent, I found the narrator's anxieties about her children convincing. It's unclear whether her fears are justified; she certainly appears to witness some strange occurrences but it's also suggested that she may be in the grip of post-natal depression. It also has an ominous, almost pre-apocalyptic feel, with the narrator frightened by the sudden multiplying of the magpies in the title, and freak weather conditions that may or may not be a result of climate change. This does, however, make this a rather intense read, and although it's exceptionally well-written - it reads almost like an extended prose poem and feels remarkably timely and relevant - I don't think I could have stuck with it if it had been any longer.
October 25, 2021
3.5🌟
4🌟 for writing 3🌟 for enjoyment
I thoroughly agree that this little novel is beautifully written but like a lot of literary fiction, it is quite ominous, oppressive and slightly depressing. That is not necessarily a bad thing if you are into that literary genre but I am now old enough to proudly say I quite like being entertained with reads that are kind of pulpy and gratuitous 🤣
4🌟 for writing 3🌟 for enjoyment
I thoroughly agree that this little novel is beautifully written but like a lot of literary fiction, it is quite ominous, oppressive and slightly depressing. That is not necessarily a bad thing if you are into that literary genre but I am now old enough to proudly say I quite like being entertained with reads that are kind of pulpy and gratuitous 🤣
February 8, 2017
Elizabeth Baines has crafted a haunting novel that explores the colliding relationship we have with impassive scientific explanation and the irrational world of magic (or the belief in indomitable predestination and superstition). How does the modern world allow us to reconcile our paranoia and fear with some sense of control over our destiny?
This premise has informed English writing since the Romantic Movement, and The Rational versus The Imagination is now a timely theme for us to consider. How do we live our lives to ensure the best for our children, who do we trust, and do we ultimately have any control over our destinies? The book focuses on modern concerns such as food production, the credibility of modern medicine and the authority of the media.
These themes are exercised through key plot events; falling in love with someone you shouldn’t, the breakdown of a marriage; the unexpected illness of a loved one. Baines explores the anguish we feel when we cannot get either rational science (with its contradictory messages) or the ‘what will be, will be’ attitude of the romantic to explain the splintering of our lives.
The two men in the novel represent each side of the argument. One represents the alternative to the unspeakable horror that is reality, whilst the other represents the comfort of proof and rationale. Which one our main protagonist chooses will ultimately define her future and define her own beliefs. The magpie rhyme, "One for Sorrow..." etc. becomes a charm to ward off the threats of the natural world.
It a gripping tale that is not without it's surprises. Leaving the reader with a satisfied ending.
Baines achieves all of this with the most enigmatic prose; at times haunting, always poetic. She speaks of the modern woman’s paranoia like whispers through silk. Whilst managing to embody the effortless tone of A.L. Kennedy with the talent for Magical Realism of Angela Carter. But she is also clearly a unique voice and one that I am excited to read more of.
The more time I spent thinking about this novel the more I came to realise how cleverly structured it is. Not a word is wasted every sentence resonates with some supernatural power and a distant melody. All the events, no matter how minor, feed into the overall fabric of the novel. At only 123 pages it is a book to savour, to be read slowly and it will gradually imprint itself on your consciousness. This is a fantastic achievement from a fresh, noteworthy talent.
This premise has informed English writing since the Romantic Movement, and The Rational versus The Imagination is now a timely theme for us to consider. How do we live our lives to ensure the best for our children, who do we trust, and do we ultimately have any control over our destinies? The book focuses on modern concerns such as food production, the credibility of modern medicine and the authority of the media.
These themes are exercised through key plot events; falling in love with someone you shouldn’t, the breakdown of a marriage; the unexpected illness of a loved one. Baines explores the anguish we feel when we cannot get either rational science (with its contradictory messages) or the ‘what will be, will be’ attitude of the romantic to explain the splintering of our lives.
The two men in the novel represent each side of the argument. One represents the alternative to the unspeakable horror that is reality, whilst the other represents the comfort of proof and rationale. Which one our main protagonist chooses will ultimately define her future and define her own beliefs. The magpie rhyme, "One for Sorrow..." etc. becomes a charm to ward off the threats of the natural world.
It a gripping tale that is not without it's surprises. Leaving the reader with a satisfied ending.
Baines achieves all of this with the most enigmatic prose; at times haunting, always poetic. She speaks of the modern woman’s paranoia like whispers through silk. Whilst managing to embody the effortless tone of A.L. Kennedy with the talent for Magical Realism of Angela Carter. But she is also clearly a unique voice and one that I am excited to read more of.
The more time I spent thinking about this novel the more I came to realise how cleverly structured it is. Not a word is wasted every sentence resonates with some supernatural power and a distant melody. All the events, no matter how minor, feed into the overall fabric of the novel. At only 123 pages it is a book to savour, to be read slowly and it will gradually imprint itself on your consciousness. This is a fantastic achievement from a fresh, noteworthy talent.
July 28, 2011
An incredibly well written novel. Definitely not for those who are seeking a "light" read. Baines has crafted an intelligent and beautiful story.
However, my star rating is based on my enjoyment of the novel. This is not the type of story that I regularily enjoy. I found it difficult to read in some places, though not at all because of the writing. It was difficult because it was so honest at parts. My lack of enjoyement is purely a personal preference, not an indication of the quality of the writing or the story.
All in all, I really apprecaite this novel for what it is, but I cannot say that I enjoyed it. I can however recommend it to others because I can definitely see how many people would love it. I have already recommended to several people whom I think it is well suited for and will be passing my copy on to my sister who's tastes are much better suited for this type of book.
However, my star rating is based on my enjoyment of the novel. This is not the type of story that I regularily enjoy. I found it difficult to read in some places, though not at all because of the writing. It was difficult because it was so honest at parts. My lack of enjoyement is purely a personal preference, not an indication of the quality of the writing or the story.
All in all, I really apprecaite this novel for what it is, but I cannot say that I enjoyed it. I can however recommend it to others because I can definitely see how many people would love it. I have already recommended to several people whom I think it is well suited for and will be passing my copy on to my sister who's tastes are much better suited for this type of book.
December 2, 2018
I found this to be a hypnotic and haunting little read that shines a light on the pressure of modern life and motherhood - can you really have it all? It seems not if the experiences of the mother in this book is anything to go by!
It's a story of a mother with young children who has lived a very controlled 'safe' life with her scientist husband who sees life in very black and white terms, and is loathe to trust the world he lives in. They grow their own food, limit the sugar their children eat and he latches on to scientific reports as if they are gospel.
when she meets a stranger in a park he's the total opposite of her husband. Has lived his life doing things you're told not to, and his attitude sparks a change in her and her outlook on the world. She begins to resent the homelife she has, sneaking around to meet up with this man and becomes even more anxious about all the decisions she has ever made, especially when it comes to the children.
I raced through this book as it just pulls you in to share the experiences of this woman as she struggles with the conflicts in her life. It also shows the impact of PND on this woman and how a simple decision can become so difficult and life becomes too intense. Questioning everything you've ever done and ever thought! There is no magic spell to achieving the perfect life and you just have to do what you can.
It is beautifully written, mixes reality with magical realism perfectly and has a big impact for a little story!
It's a story of a mother with young children who has lived a very controlled 'safe' life with her scientist husband who sees life in very black and white terms, and is loathe to trust the world he lives in. They grow their own food, limit the sugar their children eat and he latches on to scientific reports as if they are gospel.
when she meets a stranger in a park he's the total opposite of her husband. Has lived his life doing things you're told not to, and his attitude sparks a change in her and her outlook on the world. She begins to resent the homelife she has, sneaking around to meet up with this man and becomes even more anxious about all the decisions she has ever made, especially when it comes to the children.
I raced through this book as it just pulls you in to share the experiences of this woman as she struggles with the conflicts in her life. It also shows the impact of PND on this woman and how a simple decision can become so difficult and life becomes too intense. Questioning everything you've ever done and ever thought! There is no magic spell to achieving the perfect life and you just have to do what you can.
It is beautifully written, mixes reality with magical realism perfectly and has a big impact for a little story!
February 7, 2011
I loved the poetic prose. The repetition of phrases, reinforcing confusion, and the repetition of her reality. I like the other-worldliness of the tone. We were somewhere familiar and also not. It was believable yet also like a fairy-tale where nothing was quite as it seemed. It felt mad and drugged, despite sharp details of external reality, colours and sounds. It felt doomed and dangerous but thrilling too. A constant sense of the imminent end of the world or just the end of her world - and the question of which is influencing which?
November 29, 2010
Looking back on the book as a whole you can see the shadow of black and white magpies everywhere. Our nameless narrator is constantly faced with choices, between accepted behaviour and being herself, between doing what’s best for her family and what’s right for her, between staying and leaving, between magic and science. But is there a third option, a grey one? She believes there is.
You can read my full review on my blog here.
You can read my full review on my blog here.
January 4, 2010
-I won this book as a Good Reads First Reads. It was a beautifully written book. Definitely requires an educated reader. The concept of the book was amazing and Elizabeth Baines pulled off a wonderful book!
-the book came in! yay! finally get to read it!
-still have not received and won about a month ago
-just won as a firstreads! can't wait to receive!
-the book came in! yay! finally get to read it!
-still have not received and won about a month ago
-just won as a firstreads! can't wait to receive!
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October 21, 2009I wrote it, so I've decided not to rate it! What did I learn from writing it? That I could leave my family to fend for themselves while I stayed in my study all day and into the evening, and that I could write a novel very fast!
January 13, 2010
Beautifully written novel in which the author explores the rational and irrational fears of a young mother and the way she deals with them. Should she trust science or put her faith in magic and positive thinking? Recommended to people who like magical realism.
November 30, 2009
A clever, well-crafted novel. This was my first "first-reads" win, and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the novel. It requires an intelligent reader, and it will haunt you for days afterwards as you think about its meaning. Highly recommended.
December 30, 2009
6/10
I won this novel through goodreads. It's my first read by Elizabeth Baines.
It had a good style of writing. The novel was interesting, but I was not captivated by it.
I won this novel through goodreads. It's my first read by Elizabeth Baines.
It had a good style of writing. The novel was interesting, but I was not captivated by it.
October 26, 2009
Very moving, intelligent story as the author explores motherhood, temptation and??? magic. Baines can keep the readers attentionwhile looking at age-old themes from a different perspective.
February 18, 2011
I really did think this book was brilliant, I thought the prose was chilling and excellent. I liked the style and I liked the images that were conjoured up. But... it made me quite anxious.
July 4, 2011
Slow start, but gets eerier as is goes along. Not what I expected, but I couldn't put it down once the weirdness began.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews