What We Sacrifice for Magic

Perfect for fans of Practical Magic and The Lager Queen of Minnesota a coming-of-age novel following three generations of witches in the 1960s, this enchanting and heartwarming debut explores the importance of family and the delight and heartbreak of discovering who you truly are.

It's 1968, and the Watry-Ridder family is feared and respected in equal measure. The local farmers seek out their water charms, and the teenagers, their love spells. The family's charms and spells, passed down through generations of witches descending from the Black Forest, have long served the small town of Friedrich, Minnesota.

Eldest daughter Elisabeth has just graduated high school--she is expected to hone her supernatural abilities to take over for her grandmother, the indomitable Magda. She's also expected to marry her high school sweetheart and live the rest of her life in Friedrich. But all she can ask is, why her? Why is her path set in stone, and what else might be out there for her?

She soon discovers that magic isn't the only thing inherited in her family. That magic also comes with a great price--and a big family secret. The more she digs, the more questions she has, and the less she trusts the grandmother she thought she knew. Who is Elisabeth without her family? She must ultimately decide what she's willing to sacrifice for her family, for their secrets and their magic, or risk it all to pave her own way.

Navigating the bittersweet tension between self-discovery and living up to familial expectations, What We Sacrifice for Magic is a touching look at coming into one's own.

This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with the author, Andrea Jo DeWerd.

Book club questions for What We Sacrifice for Magic by Andrea Jo DeWerd

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

What We Sacrifice for Magic is set in the small town of Friedrich, Minnesota, in 1968. Why do you think the author, Andrea Jo DeWerd, chose this time and place for the setting? What would be different if this were set in a larger town or city? Would the events of the book be possible in a contemporary setting?

Friedrich is a place where magic takes place in everyday settings, and the county, for the most part, has long accepted their local witches. How does DeWerd portray magic in both the everyday and extraordinary situations?

How do the witches and magic in What We Sacrifice for Magic compare to the witches in other books or pop culture? What surprised you about the system of magic and the way the Watry women use magic?

There are several mother-daughter relationships portrayed in the Watry family. Who has the best relationship, in your opinion? Which mothers “get it right”?

What role does Cousin Mildred King play in the events of the book? When Cousin Mildred drops her surprising comment on Elisabeth (“You were right to choose this one.”), what do you believe her intentions were? (p. 46) Was she being malicious? Oblivious? Something else?

“All magic comes with a price, my darling. You know that,” Magda says to Elisabeth (p. 100). What is the price each character pays for their magic? Elisabeth? Mary? Helene? Does Magda pay a price for her magic?

In Magda Watry’s realm, the men are secondary to the women. How do Elisabeth’s father, Jacob, and John each handle their supporting roles?

Is there a villain in the story? If so, who? Explain your reasoning.

How does Elisabeth explore her emerging sexuality? What relationship does this play to her Catholic upbringing?

What appeal does Nick hold for Elisabeth? How is Elisabeth’s relationship with Nick different from her relationship with John? What would you have done if you were in her situation, romantically?

How is each character affected by Elisabeth’s disappearance? Think about John, in particular, and Mary. How do they each react to her return?

Helene tells Elisabeth and Mary, “My only purpose in this world has been to protect you girls” (p. 255). Do you think Helene made the right choice in how she protects her daughters? In how she acted toward Elisabeth? Why or why not?

Describe Elisabeth and Mary’s relationship. Do they treat each other fairly? Why does Mary forgive Elisabeth, in the end?

Discuss the epilogue and where we leave the Watry-Ridder family. Who gets a happy ending, or close to it? Does each character get what they deserve? Why or why not?

What We Sacrifice for Magic Book Club Questions PDF

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