A Sorceress Comes to Call Summary, Characters and Themes
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher is a dark and captivating retelling of the Brothers Grimm’s Goose Girl. In this atmospheric tale, Cordelia, a fourteen-year-old girl, is trapped under the control of her powerful and abusive mother, Evangeline, a sorceress who uses magic to dominate her.
The story explores themes of control, fear, betrayal, and courage as Cordelia struggles to escape her mother’s clutches while discovering her own strength. With a mix of magic, mystery, and haunting suspense, the novel presents a compelling journey toward freedom and redemption.
Summary
Fourteen-year-old Cordelia lives in a secluded and oppressive home ruled by her mother, Evangeline, a powerful sorceress.
Evangeline’s control over Cordelia is absolute, using magic to render her daughter silent and motionless for long periods.
While her mother’s eccentricities include forbidding Cordelia from having friends, Cordelia finds solace in the companionship of Falada, a beautiful white horse who is secretly her mother’s familiar, spying on Cordelia and betraying her every move.
When a mysterious death in their small town causes suspicion, Evangeline decides to flee, taking Cordelia on a journey to find a new, wealthy suitor.
They arrive at the rural estate of Squire Samuel Chatham, a well-meaning but naive gentleman, and his intelligent sister, Hester. Although Cordelia’s mother plans to charm the Squire into marriage, Cordelia immediately feels an unsettling tension in the household.
Unlike her mother, Hester is perceptive and soon notices Cordelia’s strange behavior.
Recognizing the signs of abuse and magical manipulation, Hester becomes protective of the young girl, determined to uncover the truth.
The tension between Cordelia and her mother intensifies as Evangeline forces Cordelia to act obediently at every turn, even attempting to make her charm the much older Richard Evermore, a guest at the Chatham estate.
Meanwhile, Hester begins to investigate Evangeline’s dark magic, with the help of allies like Alice, a maid, and Tom, the butler. They uncover the truth about Evangeline’s sorcery, and Hester realizes she must act to protect both her brother and Cordelia.
Tragedy strikes when Penelope Green, a guest at the estate, becomes a victim of Evangeline’s control, succumbing to a mysterious fate that appears to be a suicide after stabbing her maid.
Hester and Richard grow suspicious, and Cordelia, at great risk, reveals to them that her mother is a sorceress.
The group seeks evidence of Evangeline’s spellcasting and finds confirmation from Mr. Parker, another of Evangeline’s victims.
To distract Evangeline, Hester arranges a fake engagement between Richard and Cordelia.
As Evangeline’s hold on Cordelia weakens, Cordelia begins to hear the ghost of Penelope, who reveals how she fought against Evangeline’s magic. Tensions rise as the Squire announces his engagement to Evangeline, while the group makes plans to confront her once and for all.
In a final attempt to break Evangeline’s power, they perform a ritual designed to strip magic from a familiar.
The ritual fails, leading to Falada’s violent behavior, and the horse becomes a vengeful, headless creature that terrorizes the estate. Cordelia, desperate to protect her newfound friends, sneaks out to confront Falada, who takes her back to Evangeline.
Under her mother’s spell, Cordelia is forced to harm herself and reveal her plans to use Hester to kill Richard.
Hester, realizing something is horribly wrong, breaks the magic and rescues Cordelia. Together with the help of Penelope’s ghost, they manage to finally defeat Evangeline’s magic, draining her power in a final ritual. With her control shattered, Evangeline is left vulnerable, and Falada, now at peace, exacts his revenge before fading away.
Cordelia, though scarred, finds hope in the love and protection of her new family, free from her mother’s tyranny.
Characters
Cordelia
Cordelia, the young protagonist of A Sorceress Comes to Call, is a complex character shaped by the oppressive influence of her mother, Evangeline, a powerful sorceress. Despite her physical obedience to her mother’s commands, Cordelia maintains a strong sense of self, and her moments of freedom, particularly when riding Falada, the horse, represent the only time she feels in control.
Her life is one of isolation; not only does her mother restrict her social interactions, but Cordelia is also forbidden to form attachments, which makes her vulnerable to emotional manipulation. Throughout the story, Cordelia’s growth is evident as she gradually becomes more aware of her strength and the depth of her mother’s cruelty.
Her courage is revealed as she chooses to confront her mother’s influence and eventually aids in breaking Evangeline’s control. Despite the trauma she faces, Cordelia matures into a brave, resilient individual, driven by the need to protect those she cares about, such as Hester and Richard.
Evangeline
Evangeline is a powerful and manipulative sorceress who controls her daughter through magic and fear. Her personality is cold and calculating, and her ability to subjugate Cordelia through obedience spells paints her as a deeply sinister figure.
Evangeline’s obsession with securing wealth and power, particularly through her pursuit of the Squire, Samuel Chatham, reveals her opportunistic and self-serving nature. Her abuse of magic is not just a means of control, but a reflection of her lack of empathy for others, including her daughter.
Evangeline’s cruelty extends beyond Cordelia, as she is willing to use her powers to harm and manipulate those around her for personal gain. Her eventual downfall is brought about by the very forces she seeks to control, as Cordelia, Hester, and their allies break her spell and strip her of her power.
Hester
Hester, the sister of the Squire, is a wise and compassionate woman who becomes a protector and ally to Cordelia. Unlike most of the other characters, Hester is quick to recognize that something is wrong with the relationship between Cordelia and her mother.
She grows increasingly concerned for Cordelia’s well-being as she observes the girl’s strange, obedient behavior. Hester’s sharp intelligence and maternal instincts make her a pivotal figure in the fight against Evangeline.
As she uncovers more about the sorceress’s hold on Cordelia, Hester takes action, enlisting the help of trusted servants and friends to find a way to break the magic. Her strength of character is most evident in her refusal to let Cordelia fall into complete despair and in her determination to protect her from further harm.
Hester’s role as a nurturing and protective figure contrasts sharply with Evangeline’s manipulative and destructive nature, and she proves to be the key to Cordelia’s liberation.
Richard Evermore
Richard Evermore is a gentleman whose love for Hester complicates the story’s emotional landscape. He is initially introduced as a potential suitor for Cordelia, though he is much older than her.
Richard’s attraction to Hester and his growing suspicions about Evangeline’s magic lead him to play an important role in uncovering the truth. While Richard is a somewhat passive character in the earlier part of the novel, his involvement deepens as he becomes more attuned to the dangerous forces at work.
His connection with Hester and his eventual actions in aiding Cordelia’s escape from Evangeline’s control highlight his bravery and loyalty. Though his romantic feelings for Hester may initially distract him, his actions in the climax of the story reveal his integrity and commitment to protecting Cordelia and others from harm.
Penelope Green
Penelope Green is a guest at the Chatham estate who is eventually revealed to be a tragic victim of Evangeline’s magic. At first, Penelope is a charming and resilient woman, capable of deflecting Evangeline’s attempts at manipulation.
However, her ability to resist crumbles when Evangeline casts a spell over her, leading to a tragic and mysterious death. Penelope’s role as a ghost, however, becomes central to the story’s resolution.
Her spectral presence helps guide Cordelia and Hester in their efforts to break Evangeline’s hold. Penelope’s willingness to help Cordelia even after her death symbolizes her strength and determination, even in the face of death.
Her role highlights the theme of sacrifice and the idea that even those who have been hurt by magic can find ways to resist and aid others in overcoming evil.
Falada
Falada, the white horse who accompanies Cordelia, is more than just a creature of transport. He is revealed to be a familiar, bound to Evangeline and complicit in her schemes.
Initially, Falada appears as a trusted companion to Cordelia, offering her solace in a world of isolation. However, his betrayal when he reveals his loyalty to Evangeline marks a significant turning point in Cordelia’s journey.
Falada’s transformation into a vengeful and violent force after his death highlights the destructive power of the sorceress’s magic. His decapitation and later actions serve as a reminder of the dangerous consequences of Evangeline’s dark powers, as well as a symbol of Cordelia’s struggle for freedom.
Falada’s tragic fate adds complexity to the narrative, illustrating the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator within a system of control.
Alice
Alice, the maid assigned to Cordelia, plays a pivotal role in her eventual liberation. Initially, Alice seems to be a passive character, serving the needs of the Chatham household.
However, as she grows closer to Cordelia, she becomes increasingly concerned about the young girl’s well-being. Alice’s loyalty to Cordelia is evident when she helps her sneak away to confront Falada, and she supports the effort to stop Evangeline’s magic.
Alice is a secondary character, but her actions help underscore the theme of friendship and the importance of standing up against oppressive forces. Her quiet bravery and willingness to defy authority offer a counterpoint to the more dominant characters in the story and highlight the power of small acts of resistance.
Tom the Butler
Tom the butler is another secondary character who becomes an ally in the fight against Evangeline. Though his role is largely supportive, his loyalty and sense of duty make him an important figure in the group’s efforts to protect Cordelia.
Tom, along with Alice, plays a crucial role in assisting Hester and the others in their search for a way to break Evangeline’s magic. His quiet strength and dedication to the cause show that even the most unassuming individuals can make a significant impact when they choose to fight for what is right.
Themes
The Destructive Nature of Parental Control and Psychological Abuse
One of the central themes in A Sorceress Comes to Call is the toxic and manipulative relationship between Cordelia and her mother, Evangeline. As a powerful sorceress, Evangeline uses her magic to control Cordelia’s body and actions, subjecting her to physical paralysis and emotional torment.
This dynamic is more than just magical manipulation; it is a metaphor for psychological abuse, where Cordelia is aware of her mother’s cruelty but unable to escape it. The theme underscores how abuse can manifest in various forms—emotional, physical, and even magical—and how it can strip an individual of their autonomy.
Evangeline’s power over Cordelia not only confines her daughter to a life of submission and fear, but it also isolates her from the outside world, leaving Cordelia with no support or allies. The darkness of their relationship is palpable throughout the story, showing the lengths to which a person will go to maintain control over another and the suffocating effects it has on the victim.
The Struggle for Personal Autonomy in the Face of Oppression
Cordelia’s journey is fundamentally about reclaiming her agency in a world where every aspect of her life has been dictated by her mother. Initially, Cordelia seems incapable of defying Evangeline’s influence, but as the story progresses, she slowly begins to assert herself, seeking independence from the oppressive forces around her.
The theme of personal autonomy is explored through Cordelia’s desire to escape and her gradual realization that she must break free from her mother’s spells to survive. Her interactions with others, like Hester and Richard, show her capacity for forming real, human connections, a stark contrast to the manipulative and isolating love her mother offers.
Cordelia’s eventual courage to confront Evangeline represents the triumph of self-determination over control. This theme highlights the importance of finding one’s voice and the strength it takes to fight against forces that seek to define and restrict who we are.
The Power of Friendship and Solidarity Against Tyranny
Throughout the novel, Cordelia’s growth is supported by the kindness and loyalty of those around her, particularly Hester and Alice. Hester, who becomes a maternal figure to Cordelia, sees through the veneer of politeness and recognizes the fear that governs the young girl’s life.
The power of friendship is shown in how these relationships offer Cordelia a chance at healing, with Hester and Alice proving that, even in the face of overwhelming evil, solidarity can act as a counterforce. Their collective efforts to free Cordelia from her mother’s grasp are rooted in empathy and a shared commitment to protecting the vulnerable.
The theme emphasizes the importance of human connection and how, in the face of manipulation and power, a united front can serve as a vital source of strength. Cordelia’s eventual allies, including Imogene and Richard, show how cooperation and mutual support allow individuals to reclaim their freedom from oppressive circumstances.
The Corrupting Influence of Power and the Perils of Blind Ambition
At the heart of the novel lies a critical exploration of how the pursuit of power—embodied in Evangeline’s insatiable desire to control others—leads to corruption and self-destruction. Evangeline’s magical abilities are not used for benevolent purposes but as a means of manipulating and bending people to her will.
Her ambitions, driven by vanity and a need for dominance, put her at odds with others, culminating in a series of tragic events. Evangeline’s relentless pursuit of wealth and status, particularly through her manipulation of the Squire and his family, reveals how unchecked ambition can lead to moral decay.
Her lack of regard for human life, exemplified by her control over Cordelia and her role in Penelope’s death, illustrates the dangers of pursuing power at the expense of compassion and empathy. The theme reveals that the thirst for power, when left unchecked, not only destroys the lives of others but also erodes the humanity of the person who wields it.
The Haunting Persistence of Guilt, Trauma, and the Struggle for Redemption
Another central theme in the narrative is the psychological toll of guilt and trauma, which is particularly evident in Cordelia’s emotional journey. Throughout the story, Cordelia grapples with the weight of her actions under her mother’s influence.
Despite being coerced into harmful behaviors, she internalizes guilt, believing she has betrayed those who cared for her. This internal conflict is compounded by her growing awareness of the horrors her mother has inflicted on others.
Cordelia’s emotional turmoil culminates in her struggle for redemption, as she seeks to free herself from her mother’s influence while also attempting to undo the damage caused by her past actions. Penelope’s ghost serves as a reminder of the consequences of unchecked power, but also as a catalyst for Cordelia’s healing, offering guidance in the form of her own fight for liberation.
The theme of guilt and redemption is explored in how Cordelia must come to terms with her past in order to move forward, highlighting the emotional complexity of surviving trauma and the difficult path toward personal healing.
The Link Between Falada, the Horse, and the Forces of Magic
The supernatural elements in A Sorceress Comes to Call are not merely tools of fantasy but symbols of the profound connection between sorcery, the natural world, and the forces that govern them. Falada, Evangeline’s familiar and the key to Cordelia’s captivity, represents the intertwining of nature and magic, as the horse is both a protector and a betrayer.
His role as a magical creature bound to Evangeline’s will is emblematic of how nature can be both a source of strength and a conduit for manipulation when tied to sorcery. The ritual with Falada, which fails and leads to the horse’s violent transformation, reflects the theme of the dangerous consequences that arise when nature is manipulated for personal gain.
Ultimately, the horse’s transformation into a vengeful, headless entity symbolizes the destructive aftermath of tampering with forces beyond control, as the boundary between the natural world and magic is blurred and broken. The theme emphasizes that the relationship between sorcery and nature is delicate, and manipulating one can have devastating effects on the other.