The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey

Gothic aesthetics and a wry depiction of the Spiritualist craze of the early 20th century underpin this moving historical novel from Kaufman (the Diabhal series). Scotswoman Nairna Kirkcaldy’s hardscrabble life presenting a dubious traveling séance show with her father Tavish takes an abrupt turn when her skill with the tarot cards she inherited from her grandmother, Lottie Liath, reveals her to be a genuinely psychically powerful physical medium, and she is whisked to America to perform under the name Nora Grey. In a parallel plot set two generations earlier, pregnant Lottie’s determination to collect the insurance owed her after her husband dies in a mining accident lands her in the asylum at Argoll Downs, where doctors force her into experiments connecting pain and her psychic abilities. Faux historical documents peppered throughout the novel describe the drama of hauntings and metaphysical demonstrations and offer alternate perspectives on key scenes, adding delightful complexity to Kaufman’s scene-setting. The story’s pointed message about female solidarity shines in the relationships between Nora and the fellow female medium who helps her succeed on her own terms, Lottie and the nun who aids her escape attempt, and, ultimately, the spiritual connection that arises between Nora and Lottie. The result is both a thrilling supernatural tale and a stirring ode to women’s power. (July)