"Phoebe Hicks' Unforeseen Journey in Rhode Island: A whirlwind of the supernatural in a tranquil setting"
In the heart of Providence, Rhode Island, during the 19th century, a made-up historical figure named Phoebe Hicks stirred a spiritual craze that echoes even today. Agnieszka Taborska, a Polish author and art historian, weaves this intriguing tale in her novel Phoebe Hicks.
The novel, interspersed with collages by Selena Kimball, leaves a lasting impression long after the seance has ended. It delves into the world of séances and spiritual communications, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Providence. Phoebe Hicks, the central character, navigates this realm, providing a unique exploration of the supernatural and its intersection with everyday life.
Central to the narrative is the theme of Spiritualism as a form of personal and collective exploration of faith, identity, and the boundaries between life and death. The novel investigates how Spiritualism functioned as both a religious and cultural movement, shaping and reflecting the hopes, fears, and social dynamics of its time.
Phoebe Hicks is not a romantic ode to Providence but rather focuses on spirits and spectres. The city's portrayal suggests a world of fakery and lies, yet it also highlights real feminine transcendence. The novel's structure remains playful and interweaves fact and fiction, creating a time-bending, faux-academic treatise about Phoebe Hicks.
Newly translated by Ursula Phillips, this captivating novel is now available from Twisted Spoon Press. For those intrigued by the supernatural and the societal context around Spiritualism, Phoebe Hicks offers a compelling read that challenges conventional notions of faith and the afterlife.
This captivating novel, "Phoebe Hicks," explores the supernatural realm through the lens of Spiritualism, providing an enthralling entertainment woven amidst the backdrop of 19th-century Providence. Set against this historical canvas, the book showcases a unique collection of books delving into séances, spiritual communications, and their influence on personal and collective identity.
