Introduction to Katherine May’s Enchantment
Katherine May, the acclaimed author of Wintering, returns with her new essay collection, Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age. True to its title, this book offers a meditative exploration of finding wonder and connection amidst the turmoil of modern life. May’s reflections are particularly poignant as she navigates the collective anxieties and emotional burnout that come in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Charting Disconnection and Seeking Reconnection
In her opening essay, Katherine May confesses to a feeling of having lost a fundamental part of being alive, which she describes as a disconnection from meaning. She likens the world to “tap water left overnight, flat and chemical, devoid of life.” Through Enchantment, May embarks on a journey to reclaim these missing pieces and to find moments of small wonder, fostering connections to the world and herself.
The Structure of Enchantment
Enchantment‘s essays are thoughtfully divided into four elemental sections: Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. Each section delves deeply into May’s interactions and observations within these realms. For instance, the Water section includes a memorable visit to an ancient healing well, where May poignantly describes the scene: “There are steps down to a pool of dark water about a foot deep, the heart-shaped petals of the [briar] rose floating on its surface.” Her narrative does not shy away from her feelings of inadequacy and awkwardness, adding a relatable layer to her meditative prose.
A Fusion of Genres
Enchantment masterfully intertwines elements of nature writing, history, theology, and literature with memoir. May recounts scenes from her childhood, her meditation failures, and everyday marital discontents, creating a lucid tapestry that casts an enchanting spell over the reader. The essay titled “Hierophany” begins with a simple yet evocative line: “Just after lunchtime when I was a child, my grandmother would sit down to eat an orange, and peace would fall over the house.” Such moments encapsulate the essence of May’s search for wonder in the mundane.
A Meditative Journey for the Modern Reader
While May’s explorations might seem ideally suited to the fairy tale-like landscapes of the English countryside, Enchantment offers valuable insights for anyone, regardless of geography. Its meditative essays provide a restful and lucid way to navigate another tumultuous year, guiding readers towards discovering their own moments of enchantment in an often disconnected age.
