The Book of Autumn Summary, Characters and Themes

The Book of Autumn by Molly O’Sullivan is a supernatural mystery novel that combines elements of magic, academia, and deep emotional conflict. The protagonist, Cella Gibbons, is a scholar of Object Theory, a form of magic, who is drawn back to her alma mater, Seinford and Brown College, after years of trying to escape both her past and her magical abilities.

A former professor contacts her for help when a strange incident occurs involving a student, Danica Stewart. As Cella investigates the situation, she uncovers dark secrets within the college, her own history, and the powerful forces that bind them all. The novel is a journey of discovery, danger, and self-realization, filled with intricate relationships, disturbing truths, and a haunting atmosphere.

Summary

Marcella (Cella) Gibbons finds herself driving through Marble County, New Mexico, returning to Seinford and Brown College, a place she had once tried to leave behind. The college, now a university, holds a dark history intertwined with the supernatural, and Cella is reluctant to revisit it after receiving a letter from Dr. Thea Robetresse, the university president, asking for her help.

Cella is a specialist in Object Theory, a form of magic that studies the emotional and mystical power imbued in objects. Despite her desire to stay away from magic, she agrees to return.

Cella’s return to the college is prompted by a strange occurrence involving a student named Danica Stewart, who is in an unusual, possibly dangerous state following a violent event. Danica’s behavior is bizarre and unexplainable, leading Cella to investigate the situation further.

As she arrives at the infirmary, she is faced with a disturbing sight: Danica, floating above her bed, her body covered in scratches, speaking in an unintelligible language. Cella is told that Danica’s actions are beyond the understanding of the local authorities, and her condition is worsening.

Cella is drawn deeper into the mystery as she, along with the priest and nurse Maritza, begins investigating what happened to Danica.

The situation grows more unsettling when Cella learns of Danica’s connection to her roommate, Maya Hagood, who was violently killed. Danica’s levitating state suggests something far more sinister than just mental illness.

Cella, although warned about the dangers, speaks to Danica, and the student mutters cryptic phrases that hint at deeper, darker forces at play. The priest suggests possession might be the cause, but Cella suspects something more profound is occurring.

Cella soon reconnects with Max, her former partner, who has been tracking her down to assist in solving this mystery. Max, who shares a strong magical bond with Cella known as a “dimidium,” convinces her to work together despite the emotional tension between them.

As the investigation proceeds, Cella and Max explore the toxic relationship between Danica and Maya, uncovering a history of obsession and abuse. This complex connection is key to understanding the events leading up to the murder and Danica’s strange state.

In their investigation, Cella and Max discover that the students’ most important objects—those imbued with emotional significance—hold the answers to the mystery. In Object Theory, the objects can act as conduits for magic, and analyzing them reveals more about the forces at play.

Meanwhile, the pressure mounts as the authorities push for answers, and Cella and Max must work quickly before the situation escalates further. The investigation takes them to various sources, including a professor, Dr. Strauss, who has connections to both Danica and Maya.

However, Dr. Strauss is secretive and evasive, heightening Cella’s suspicions.

As they dig deeper, Cella and Max uncover a disturbing connection between Dr. Strauss and the curse that seems to be affecting Danica. Their investigation reveals disturbing secrets, including a mysterious curse tied to the college and its faculty.

Cella’s bond with Max, complicated by their shared past, further intensifies as they confront the sinister forces at play. As the pieces of the puzzle begin to fit together, Cella realizes that the situation is far more dangerous than she had first believed.

The investigation also leads them to explore the history and secrets of a professor named Dr. Rose Oswold, who was involved with Maya. Dr. Oswold’s calm exterior hides a chaotic and unstable nature, and Cella’s suspicions about her involvement grow.

As Cella digs deeper into Oswold’s past, she uncovers that the professor has a history of harassment and a disturbing connection to dark forces, though the university has overlooked these red flags.

Cella’s investigation brings her into contact with a mysterious symbol linked to a secretive fraternity, Phi Kat, and its dangerous, occult-like rituals. Despite Max’s warnings about the risks, Cella attends a party at Phi Kat to uncover more information about a man named Grant, who is linked to the dark forces affecting the students.

There, Cella becomes further enmeshed in a web of conspiracy and secrecy. She uncovers troubling signs of ritualistic practices and discovers a connection between the fraternity’s activities and the strange occurrences at the college.

As the mystery deepens, Cella finds herself struggling not only with the investigation but also with her own unresolved emotions, particularly her feelings for Max. Their complicated relationship becomes even more strained as the case intensifies.

In the midst of uncovering the truth about Dani’s curse, Cella realizes that the forces manipulating the college community are far more dangerous than she had anticipated. Meanwhile, Max’s behavior becomes erratic, and their relationship reaches a boiling point as they confront the darkness surrounding them.

Cella’s magic, which she has long tried to distance herself from, becomes crucial in unraveling the truth behind the curse and the events surrounding Dani’s affliction. The deeper she delves into the magical world, the more she realizes that she is facing forces that are beyond her control.

The line between reality and illusion blurs, and Cella is forced to confront her own past traumas, particularly the death of her brother Aaron, which continues to haunt her decisions.

In the end, Cella faces a difficult choice: to continue seeking forbidden knowledge at the risk of her safety and the well-being of those she cares about, or to walk away from the investigation and let the darkness take its course. As the investigation reaches its climax, Cella must navigate the dangerous forces at work within the college, uncover the truth about the Reality Paradox, and decide what role magic will play in her future.

Characters

Marcella (Cella) Gibbons

Cella Gibbons is the protagonist of The Book of Autumn, and her character is defined by a deep inner conflict. She has a complex relationship with magic, particularly due to her past trauma.

Cella’s expertise in Object Theory, a form of magic, is both her strength and her curse. Though she has tried to distance herself from magic, the past continues to pull her back, especially when the college calls upon her for help.

Cella’s expertise is essential to the investigation, yet it’s clear that the experiences of her past, particularly the tragic death of her brother Aaron and her failed PhD, have left emotional scars. She struggles with unresolved feelings, especially her past relationship with Max, which complicates her professional and emotional journey.

As Cella uncovers dark secrets and confronts her past, she must also deal with her hesitations about using magic and facing the overwhelming emotional turmoil that magic evokes in her. Through her character, we see a woman grappling with a broken past and the dangerous allure of forbidden knowledge.

Max

Max is a critical figure in The Book of Autumn, both as a former partner to Cella and as a collaborator in the investigation. His relationship with Cella is emotionally charged, fraught with unresolved feelings, and marked by their shared magical bond known as “dimidium.” Max’s character is defined by his loyalty to Cella, yet he is also very much aware of the danger that surrounds them.

He seems more optimistic about solving the case than Cella, though his skepticism of the people involved, including their old professors, keeps him grounded. Max’s emotional state fluctuates throughout the novel, as he tries to balance his past with Cella and his present relationships, particularly with his girlfriend Julia.

His emotional bond with Cella adds tension to the investigation, as their personal history continually complicates the case. Max’s role is crucial as he navigates the challenges of the investigation, his complicated feelings toward Cella, and his growing suspicions about the darker forces at play in the college and beyond.

Dr. Thea Robetresse

Dr. Thea Robetresse is the president of the college and a key figure in the narrative of The Book of Autumn. She is the one who reaches out to Cella, seeking her expertise to investigate the mysterious incident involving Danica Stewart.

Robetresse’s character embodies authority and a sense of responsibility, as she believes it is crucial to unravel the strange events unfolding at the college. Though her actions are driven by a desire to protect the institution, there is an underlying sense that she is not entirely transparent with Cella.

Dr. Robetresse’s decisions regarding the investigation often put Cella in a position where she must dig deeper into the mystery, while also questioning the motivations of those around her. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Dr. Robetresse may have a larger stake in the mystery than initially apparent, which raises doubts about her true intentions and the depth of her involvement in the college’s secrets.

Danica Stewart

Danica Stewart is a pivotal character whose mysterious transformation and violent actions drive much of the investigation in The Book of Autumn. A student at the college, Danica’s unexplained behavior—such as her levitation and cryptic speech—raises alarms and draws Cella into the investigation.

Danica’s past relationship with her roommate, Maya Hagood, plays a significant role in the unraveling mystery, with hints of abuse and obsession. Her condition suggests she might be the victim of a curse or a hex, which leads Cella and Max to investigate further.

Through Danica, the novel explores the power of magic, the danger of obsession, and the idea of being trapped by forces beyond one’s control. Her character acts as a catalyst for the narrative, drawing Cella and the other characters into a deeper mystery while also symbolizing the destructive potential of magic when misused or misunderstood.

Maya Hagood

Maya Hagood plays a crucial, though initially more elusive, role in The Book of Autumn. She is revealed to have been in a volatile and abusive relationship with Danica Stewart before her tragic death.

Maya’s character is explored through flashbacks and the investigation, offering insight into the emotional and psychological turmoil that contributed to the eventual conflict. Maya’s troubled history with Danica—marked by obsession and manipulation—sheds light on the darker undercurrents of their relationship.

Although Maya is no longer alive by the time the investigation begins, her influence on the events unfolding is undeniable. Her death and the circumstances surrounding it are key to unlocking the larger mysteries of the story.

Dr. Antony Strauss

Dr. Antony Strauss is an enigmatic professor at the college and plays a mysterious role in The Book of Autumn. Strauss’s connection to the students involved in the investigation—especially Danica—is shrouded in secrecy, and his strange behavior raises suspicions.

As a professor in the Physics, Astronomy, and Astrological Divination Department, Strauss is deeply involved in studying magic through the lens of celestial bodies. However, his evasiveness and the disturbing changes in his appearance hint at something far more sinister at play.

His involvement with Danica’s obsession with magic, coupled with his own secrets, suggests that Strauss may be hiding crucial information about the events leading up to the tragic incidents. His character adds an air of intrigue and danger, as he seems to know more than he lets on, making him a suspect in the unraveling mystery.

Maritza

Maritza is a nurse at the college who becomes one of Cella’s allies in the investigation. Although she initially appears to be a secondary character, her role grows as the story progresses.

Maritza is not only concerned for Danica’s well-being but also deeply troubled by the strange events surrounding her condition. She expresses fear about the forces at work and is uneasy about the involvement of others, including the priest who is also involved in the case.

Maritza’s character highlights the fear and confusion that pervade the investigation, offering a more grounded perspective amidst the chaos. She serves as an emotional support for Cella as they work together to uncover the truth, providing valuable insight and assistance as the mystery unfolds.

Dr. Rose Oswold

Dr. Rose Oswold is a new professor at the college who becomes a key figure in the investigation surrounding Maya’s death. Her calm exterior hides a more chaotic and troubled mindset, which Cella uncovers through her interactions with Oswold’s personal objects.

Though Oswold initially denies any significant connection to Maya, Cella’s keen observations suggest otherwise. Dr. Oswold’s involvement in the mystery grows as the investigation uncovers unsettling details about her past, including a history of harassment and deception.

Her character adds to the growing tension at the college, and as the story progresses, it becomes clear that she may be more involved in the darker aspects of the case than anyone initially suspected.

Grant

Grant is a dangerous figure whose involvement in the Phi Kat fraternity adds an ominous layer to the investigation in The Book of Autumn. He has a history of harming women, which makes him a key suspect in the mystery that Cella and Max are trying to unravel.

Grant’s behavior at the fraternity party, coupled with his cryptic actions and a troubling confrontation with Cella, makes him a person of interest in the investigation. His connection to the dark practices at the fraternity, along with his possible link to a dangerous belief system, marks him as a pivotal figure in the novel’s exploration of occult forces and the hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface.

Cella’s decision to investigate him further shows her commitment to uncovering the truth, even at great personal risk.

Themes

Magic and Its Consequences

In The Book of Autumn, the exploration of magic and its consequences stands as a pivotal theme, driving much of the plot and the character motivations. Magic is not merely a tool or an abstract concept in this world, but a powerful and dangerous force that directly impacts the lives of the characters.

The protagonist, Cella Gibbons, is deeply entwined with magic, having once been an expert in Object Theory, a form of magic that links objects to the emotions and lives of their owners. However, Cella has distanced herself from magic, burdened by its traumatic effects, particularly the death of her brother and her own failed academic career.

Despite her attempts to escape the world of magic, she is drawn back to it when her former college calls upon her expertise to investigate the strange occurrences surrounding a student named Danica Stewart.

The magic in this world is not benign or neutral; it is capable of profound manipulation, often resulting in destructive and uncontrollable consequences. Danica’s possession, her violent behavior, and the curse or hex that binds her to a mysterious force illustrate how magic, when misused or misunderstood, can spiral out of control, inflicting harm on both the wielder and those around them.

The exploration of these darker aspects of magic forces the characters to reckon with its limitations, its unpredictability, and the personal toll it takes on those who engage with it. Cella’s journey is not just one of unraveling the mystery behind Danica’s affliction but also of reconciling with her own fraught relationship with magic.

As Cella delves deeper into the investigation, it becomes clear that magic’s influence on the world is more sinister than she had initially realized, and she must confront the darker forces that are manipulating the lives of the students and faculty around her.

Trauma and Healing

The Book of Autumn also delves deeply into the theme of trauma and the long, often painful process of healing. Cella’s life is marked by emotional scars that stem from the traumatic death of her brother, Aaron, and the fallout from her failed academic career.

These events have shaped her view of the world and her relationship with magic. Her return to her alma mater, a place tied to both her academic ambitions and personal tragedy, forces Cella to confront these unresolved emotional wounds.

Her struggle with magic is reflective of her inability to fully heal, as she has associated the practice with her brother’s death and her own sense of failure.

Throughout the narrative, Cella grapples with feelings of guilt, loss, and the overwhelming weight of her past. Her journey is not just one of solving a supernatural mystery but of confronting the emotional ghosts that have haunted her for years.

The relationships she has with other characters, particularly Max, serve as a lens through which the theme of healing is explored. Max, her former partner, represents both a source of comfort and conflict for Cella.

Their shared history is fraught with unresolved emotions, and their interactions force Cella to confront not only the mystery at hand but also the personal trauma that she has tried to bury. The tension between Cella’s need for closure and her reluctance to engage with her past creates an emotional undertow throughout the narrative, ultimately leading her to a deeper understanding of herself and her capacity for healing.

The Complexity of Relationships

At the heart of The Book of Autumn is a complex web of relationships, many of which are fraught with tension, unspoken emotions, and unresolved conflicts. Cella’s relationship with Max is particularly central to the story, as it serves as both a source of strength and a reminder of her past failures.

Their shared magical bond, known as “dimidium,” symbolizes their deep connection, but it also highlights the emotional baggage they carry. The tension between them is palpable throughout the narrative, as they struggle to navigate their personal history while trying to work together to solve the mystery of Danica’s affliction.

Beyond Cella and Max, the relationships between the students, faculty, and other characters also play a significant role in driving the plot forward. The abusive dynamics between Danica and her roommate, Maya, reveal the darker side of human connection, where obsession, jealousy, and manipulation blur the lines between love and hatred.

The investigation into Danica’s curse uncovers not only the magical forces at play but also the emotional and psychological factors that have contributed to her downfall. In this way, the story emphasizes the interconnectedness of personal relationships and the profound impact they can have on one’s fate.

The relationships in The Book of Autumn are not just personal but also magical, highlighting how power dynamics, emotional bonds, and past experiences can shape the course of events and determine the future of those involved.

The Search for Identity

Throughout The Book of Autumn, Cella’s quest for self-understanding and personal identity is another critical theme. Having distanced herself from her past and from magic, Cella is forced to confront the parts of herself she has tried to forget.

Her return to the college, where she once sought a career in academia and magic, serves as a catalyst for this journey of self-discovery. The emotional weight of her past—her failed PhD, the death of her brother, and her fractured relationship with Max—reminds her that the search for personal meaning is an ongoing process, shaped by both her actions and the forces beyond her control.

As Cella delves deeper into the investigation, she begins to realize that her true self cannot be separated from her past. The clues surrounding Danica’s condition and the mysterious magical forces at work on campus force Cella to reexamine her own beliefs about magic, fate, and personal responsibility.

The complex dynamics of her relationship with Max further complicate her sense of self, as their shared history forces her to confront emotions she thought were long buried. Ultimately, Cella’s journey is one of reconciliation, not just with the mysteries she is trying to solve but with the person she has become and the person she hopes to be.

The theme of identity in The Book of Autumn underscores the idea that understanding who we are requires both acknowledging our past and embracing the future, even when it is filled with uncertainty and danger.

Power and Corruption

The Book of Autumn presents a nuanced exploration of power and corruption, particularly through the lens of magic and the institutions that wield it. The college, once a place of academic learning, has become a breeding ground for dark secrets, hidden agendas, and supernatural forces that manipulate those within its walls.

The mystery surrounding Danica’s affliction reveals the corruption at the heart of the college and the broader societal structures that uphold it. As Cella and Max investigate, they uncover not just magical phenomena but also the corrupt nature of the people in power, including faculty members like Dr. Strauss and Dr. Oswold.

The corrupting influence of power is not limited to those who hold formal authority but extends to the relationships and individuals who are drawn into the web of manipulation and control. Danica’s descent into obsession and violence can be seen as a result of the toxic environment created by both her own magical abilities and the corrupt influences of those around her.

The investigation into the Phi Kat fraternity, with its ties to occult practices and dangerous rituals, further underscores how power can be abused when left unchecked. The theme of power and corruption in The Book of Autumn serves as a reminder of how easily those in positions of authority can exploit others, and how the pursuit of knowledge, if not tempered by ethical considerations, can lead to destruction.