#theoperaticwitch

     This one is going to be short, sweet, and to the point, in the style of this book. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to glean much from The Grimoire of Jana by Jana Mari. It was clearly taken through Google Translate one too many times, and comes up to be borderline incomprehensible by the time it reaches your hands. Not to mention, this copy is quite expensive of Amazon, so there’s no way I can recommend this in good conscience in its present form. I imagine that there might be some good quality content in here, if you read it in its traditional Italian, but otherwise, there’s no reason to purchase this book beyond seeking out confusion and frustration. 2 out of 5 stars. 

Here’s the link on Amazon, if you want to check the book out: https://www.amazon.com/Grimoire-Jana-Italian-witchcraft/dp/1980743290/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=the+grimoire+of+jana&qid=1552145263&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

Here’s the version in Italian: https://www.amazon.com/GRIMORIO-JANA-Antica-Italiana-Italian/dp/1521373159/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_2?keywords=the+grimoire+of+jana&qid=1552145281&s=gateway&sr=8-2-fkmrnull

Overall:

- 2 out of 5 stars

- Over-expensive for a book that is not translated properly

- Otherwise, short and succinct. Would like to actually know what the contents of this book is eventually.

     I want to preface this by saying I finished this book in the Fall of 2018, and that my memory of it has faded since then. However, I can say with certainty that it is well worth the re-read, so I’ll be sure to look it over and edit this post to be more thorough when I can.

     Mary-Grace Fahrun is one of the main living authorities on Italian Folk Magic, where I am concerned. Italian Folk Magic: Rue’s Kitchen Witchery is vibrant, refreshing, and incredibly accurate to Italian-American tradition and culture. Both my mother and I were moved after reading this book, having finally found explanations for seemingly meaningless habits of our long-passed family members. 

     Keep in mind, this book is incredibly personal to Fahrun’s experience with Italian Folk Magic. Half of the book is made up of her anecdotes related to every chapter; it is practically an ancestral study on her family’s magical tradition. However, it is thorough, effective, and will resonate with anyone who is connected to the Italian-American culture. This was the book that inspired me to find my own family’s magical history. I highly recommend you pick up this book, as long as some of the personal details do not bother you. It is a worthwhile find, and an incredible source of knowledge. Whether you are Italian or not, this is one of the most accurate, and readily-avalible sources on the subject that has been published in a long time. I cannot sing it’s praises enough. 5 out of 5 stars!

     Here is the link of Amazon if you want to check the book out: https://www.amazon.com/Italian-Folk-Magic-Kitchen-Witchery/dp/1578636183/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Italian+Folk+Magic&qid=1552098183&s=gateway&sr=8-1

     Here is the link to her website: https://www.rueskitchen.com

Overall:

- 5 out of 5 stars!

- Expect lots and lots of anecdotes from the author.

- The Italian-American culture shared in this book is well-described and incredibly accurate, especially for Southern-Italian immigrant families.

      So, I’ve decided that because I don’t see many resources for Italian folk magic on tumblr, I’d try to start compiling stuff for other witches who may be interested in the subject. My ultimate goal is to eventually create a master post, but for now, let’s start with something simpler: a review of The Things We Do: Ways of the Holy Bendetta by Agostino Taumaturgo.