Book Review
Paul MoonOak


	Occasionally there comes along a book so engaging that you not
only can't put it down, but find yourself up until 3 am reading.  The Holy
Oak Journal recently received a complementary copy of such a book from
Avon Publishers called In the Land of Winter by Richard Grant.  
	It is the story of a young mother whose 9-year old daughter, with
whom she is very close, is taken from her by child "protective" services.
The mother is crushed, and as a Pagan I clenched my fists in rage at the
utter obscenity of what I was reading.  To arouse such emotional response
is, in my opinion, a complement to a writer.  And the whole book is
charged with such feeling. 
	The mother  wanders in desperation the dark, cold New England days
following Yule.  She winds up hiding from the police, which is not easy in
a small town, and finally at a mountain cabin, alone, hungry, and
seemingly at the end of all hope.  But then, the magic happens.  And it is
a magic that suffuses the entire tale, sometimes subtle, sometimes
obvious, but always rich and ultimately satisfying. 
	This story is, in the end, about one witch's journey from
maiden-mother to crone-mother.  Our witch grows, matures, learns, changes.
And at last she begins to change everything around her, too.  
	I strongly recommend In the Land of Winter to all Pagans
everywhere; I think you will be pleased.  I would also suggest that copies
be loaned or given to non-Pagans, especially those who distrust or are
hostile towards us.  It could very well open some eyes.  
	Even some hearts.