Witch. You hear the word, and your mind goes to think of a woman wearing a black hat and pointy shoes. She probably has a black cat or broomstick with her as well. Right? I'm sure at least one of those stereotypes popped into your head when you read the word "witch", don't even bother denying it.

The description I'm focusing on today is woman. In all the fairy tales, are witches not classed as feminine? The other stereotypes which are attached to this label are that they are always evil old ladies. I decided to talk about this stereotype today because I recently read The Changeover by Margaret Mahy, which features a male witch. Anther examples of male witches in literature is the character Troy from The Haunting, also by Margaret Mahy.

This attribute can be traced all the way back to the Salem witch trials in 1692, where people, mainly females were accused of being witches. I never really thought about male witches until I saw them in literature. I believe Witches and Wizards are different, and not just the same thing with masculine and feminine titles. So I think that neither should be associated with one gender alone.

Many childhood stories have this model. Witches are often known as being evil, and Wizards wise old men. I love reading books which defy the stereotypes. What I don't understand is why gender should influence whether you are stereotyped good or bad.

I like the idea of male witches because they fight against stereotypes, forcing you to question what you know and embrace the unknown so you can form new opinions about these century old stereotypes.

What do you think about gender stereotypes in fantasy?

The Changeover by Margaret Mahy
Publisher: Hachette New Zealand
Goodreads Summary: A clammy hand pressed Laura down to her knees beside Jacko's bed. It was the hand of terror, nothing less.'

It was a warning. Laura felt it when she looked in the mirror that morning. There had been others: the day her father left home, the day she met Sorensen - the boy with the strange silver eyes.

But nothing had prepared Laura for the horror of today. And now her little brother, Jacko, was fighting for his life after being sucked dry of his youth by the sinister Carmody Braque.

Laura knows there is only one way to save Jacko; she must join Sorensen and use his supernatural powers to change over if there is to be any hope for her little brother.
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: Laura Chant isn't normal. She receives warnings, feelings of premonition which only proceeds bad things. Sometimes, she acknowledges them; but sometimes she ignores them, and what happens after is always unchangeable, set in stone. To save her younger brother Jacko's life, she must talk to Sorenson Carlisle, the school prefect she knows is a witch. But this journey won't be easy...

The Changeover is a short book, nevertheless a good one. It's not often that I read books set in New Zealand, with typical 'New Zealand' problems such as a single mum raising a child (or children!) alone, and lack of money. The book has a great storyline of ups and downs, however what prevented me from liking it more is actually just the fact that it has such an ordinary setting.

Sorry (short for Sorenson) is another thing I really like about this book. His nickname is quite ironic I think, considering his personality which is unveiled bit by bit. I love his broken-ness I suppose, just the fact that his past still haunts him and certainly has stopped him into the boy Laura meets. His mother and grandmother have their own mysteries about them too; his whole family is an intrigue.

One peculiar thing that occurs in this book is Laura telling her mother these supernatural feelings. Although she isn't really believed, in most Young Adult books the main characters just go off on an adventure with little regard or mention of their parents. In The Changeover Laura's mum Kate is still quite a big part of the novel even though they aren't always around. Margaret Mahy has created a next atmosphere in which her characters grow and inspire others.
Purchase Location: ~I received a copy from Hachette NZ and willingly reviewed it~
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of supernatural stories about ordinary people.