By Paul Magrs

Obverse Books, out now

A beautiful tale of Christmas magic…

There are certain books that you get out at specific times of year or music that you only listen to at a particular point on the calendar, because they have connotations that take you back to being a youngster, or to a time when you were happy. There’s a certain kind of magic about them that takes you away from the humdrum, and they feel sprinkled with a sort of stardust.

And Paul Magrs’ short tale will definitely be added to my list of books that transport me back to a childhood sense of wonder and amazement. It’s the story of young Daniel, being taken by his incredibly reluctant Grandmother, to a special showing of Labyrinth, with David Bowie there – and the special care that was taken over him. It’s a quick read, but Magrs paints the pictures so vividly that you feel as if you’re in that back room with a young boy, a grumpy grandmother and… a magician.

Verdict: With all the crap that’s going on at the moment, we need things that remind us that people can be kind not cruel, welcoming not hating. Paul Magrs’ story does just that. Highly recommended. 10/10

Paul Simpson

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