Living Large In Purgatory

Name: Living Large In Purgatory
Price: 7.89 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781329214590

✍️ Jen Frankel

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$7.89

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A story about Maggie Stuart seeking real magic in Montreal after previous adventures.

Maggie Stuart moves to Montreal with a specific goal: finding genuine magic. Since turning sixteen, she has adapted to various roles, becoming somewhat of a chameleon. Her life involves studying art when money permits and working low-wage jobs otherwise. She frequently uses stolen art supplies for her own projects. Despite learning sleight of hand, she feels unfulfilled by these minor tricks. The narrative focuses on her internal state as she lives alone but fights against loneliness. A sense of impending change hangs over her life, with outcomes ranging from positive to disastrous. Frankel details this period without revealing the final result, keeping the tension focused on Maggie’s current state and her desperate need for something real.

Key Themes

searching for magic artistic ambition isolation and loneliness

Literary Context

Published by Lulu.com in 2015, this book sits within the tradition of contemporary supernatural fiction. It follows the character Maggie Stuart from previous works, grounding the narrative in a modern urban setting while exploring themes of personal growth and magical discovery.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Anne Rice · Clive Barker · Neil Gaiman

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Lulu.com 📅 2015 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781329214590

📝 Description: Living Large In Purgatory

Jen Frankel presents a narrative following Maggie Stuart as she relocates to Montreal in search of authentic magic. This story continues the arc established in The Last Rite and The Red Ring, where Maggie has evolved into a chameleon-like figure since her sixteenth year. She balances art studies with minimum wage labor, often relying on stolen supplies to fuel her creative pursuits. Her attempts at sleight of hand fail to satisfy her deeper desire for real magical practice. The text examines her isolation and the quiet desperation of trying to avoid loneliness while navigating a miserable existence. Maggie senses an impending shift in her circumstances, though the direction remains unclear. It could bring improvement or severe consequences. Frankel writes with a focus on internal struggle and the mundane details of survival rather than grandiose supernatural displays. This work suits readers interested in character-driven urban fantasy and stories about artistic ambition. It may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action or traditional horror tropes. The narrative stays grounded in Maggie’s personal reality, offering a look at her life before any major magical events unfold.

💎 Our verdict on Living Large In Purgatory

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Frankel delivers a compelling character study focused on Maggie Stuart’s quest for genuine magic amidst Montreal’s urban landscape. The narrative excels in depicting the quiet desperation of survival and the chameleon-like adaptation to various roles since age sixteen. By focusing on internal states and stolen art supplies rather than grandiose displays, it creates a tense, intimate atmosphere. This approach appeals to fans of literary horror and psychological depth, offering a unique perspective on the search for identity and power in a world that feels increasingly empty.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate deep psychological profiles and atmospheric urban settings will find value here. The book offers a grounded look at isolation and the desperate search for authenticity in a mundane world. It suits those who prefer internal struggle over external action, providing a nuanced portrayal of artistic ambition and magical yearning without relying on traditional horror tropes or fast-paced plots.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Frankel delivers a compelling character study focused on Maggie Stuart’s quest for genuine magic amidst Montreal’s urban landscape. The narrative excels in depicting the quiet desperation of survival and the chameleon-like adaptation to various roles since age sixteen. By focusing on internal states and stolen art supplies rather than grandiose displays, it creates a tense, intimate atmosphere. This approach appeals to fans of literary horror and psychological depth, offering a unique perspective on the search for identity and power in a world that feels increasingly empty.