The Uses of Enchantment

In "The Uses of Enchantment," Mary mysteriously reappears after weeks of being missing, claiming to have little memory of her abduction. Her concerned mother sends her to a psychologist, Dr. Hammer, who suspects Mary may have fabricated her story, paralleling a historical account of abduction. As Mary navigates her traumatic past and its lasting effects, a quest for truth unfolds fifteen years later during her return to Boston for her mother's funeral. Through intricate power dynamics and a haunting exploration of sexuality, Heidi Julavits crafts a mesmerizing narrative that delves into the complexities of trauma and identity.