Review: Octagon Magic

Octagon Magic by Andre Norton (1967; reprint 2005 by Starscape)

Second in Andre Norton’s Magic Books series, Octagon Magic is Norton at her best and most surreal in children’s fiction.

Lorrie Mallard lived with her grandmother in Canada until her grandmother became sick and had to be cared for by a friend. Now living in the U.S. with an aunt, homesick Lorrie has trouble fitting in. She doesn’t like gossip, giggling, and listening to pop music with the girl next door. She hates it when the boys on the street call her Canuck and chase her around. But when they chase a kitten that belongs to the mysterious Octagon House, where a witch supposedly lives, Lorrie runs to the kitten’s rescue — and finds escape for herself as well.

For Octagon House holds its own secrets. Gentle Miss Ashemeade couldn’t be less like a wicked witch, nor is her cook, Hallie. Miss Ashemeade sits at an embroidery frame, surrounded by fine threads and special golden needles, and her sitting room is lined with museum-quality needlework. She teaches Lorrie some of her art, but more, she allows Lorrie to explore any room of the house — that is, any room that will allow her in. And the room that calls to her is the room that contains a miniature Octagon House. No mere plaything is this dollhouse. Keys appear in the drawers at the base. Lifelike dolls inhabit the drawers. And when she places the dolls and rides the magnificent rocking horse that stands near the house, Lorrie is transported into the past to witness the secrets of Octagon House.

Who — or what — is Miss Ashemeade? Is she really as old as Lorrie’s rockinghorse visions seem to tell her? Who is Hallie? What ever happened to the people who sought and found refuge at Octagon House? And what will happen to Miss Ashemeade if the plans to run a new superhighway straight through the Octagon House property are approved? Can Lorrie and her friends save Octagon House?