Every Gift a Curse Gifts are often seen as blessings, a way for others to show appreciation and love. However, there are instances where a gift can turn into a curse, bringing unexpected consequences and hardships. While the intention behind giving a gift is typically pure, the outcomes are not always what were initially planned. One way gifts can become curses is when they create a sense of obligation and dependency. For example, receiving a large sum of money from a friend or family member may seem like a generous gesture initially, but it can quickly become a burden. The recipient may feel indebted and pressured to use the money in a certain way or to repay the giver in some way.
The recipient may feel indebted and pressured to use the money in a certain way or to repay the giver in some way. In this situation, what was intended as a gift can cause stress and strain on the relationship. Moreover, some gifts can also lead to unforeseen negative consequences.
Book Review: “Every Gift a Curse” by Caroline O’Donoghue
In Every Gift a Curse, Caroline O’Donoghue concludes the trilogy that began with All Our Hidden Gifts and The Gifts That Bind Us. At the end of the previous book, Maeve and the gang successfully sealed Kilbeg’s well, preventing the Children of Brigid cult from draining it. Their success, however, came at a price: their school burned down, costing their headmistress her life, and a member of the Children was also killed, leaving our heroes vulnerable to the Housekeeper’s vengeance.
When Every Gift a Curse begins, the group is on edge. It’s been a month since the Children’s leader, Dorey, pledged to summon the Housekeeper against them. (If you need a refresher, the Housekeeper is a kind of revenge spirit summoned through the use of tarot cards.) Yet so far, she’s failed to appear, leaving them in anxious suspense. Aaron, who only recently deserted the cult to join Maeve and her friends, has also disappeared.
Though their magical lives are in shambles, things in the “normal” world are going pretty well. Roe’s band is getting noticed in a big way, and Fiona’s being scouted for a Netflix show about teen witches. Lily’s finally becoming comfortable again in her human skin, and Maeve is coping with it all surprisingly well (considering the insecurities that caused so much tension in the last book).
But of course, it can’t last. Teenagers are going missing from all around Kilbeg, and it’s clear that the Children of Brigid haven’t given up – they’ve just changed tactics. To fight back and save her peers, Maeve must delve deep into Housekeeper lore… and she may not like all that she discovers.
Fans of the series won’t be disappointed in the final installment. In fact, there’s almost no need to write a review. O’Donoghue’s development of the world and her characters remains strong and feels consistent with the earlier books. Feminist values and inclusivity remain at the forefront of the story, which is also thoughtful about local history, culture, and what it means to be from a small town in the 21st century. The storytelling remains as vibrant as ever, and this feels like a fitting send-off for the characters we’ve come to love.
I was a little conflicted over the ending. I can’t reveal much about why without spoiling the book – which I don’t want to do, because there are aspects of the final pages which are so right for the story, and feature really cool magic to boot. On the one hand, the characters’ fates feel appropriate; what happens is in keeping with how we’ve learned that magic works and with O’Donoghue’s investment in recognizing the importance of seeking justice where we are, rather than writing off the local in favor of the larger world. On the other hand, the ending feels limiting, restricting future possibilities in a way that I (a millennial) think could turn toxic years down the line.
Then again, the idea of sacrifice is crucial to the novel’s resolution, and my conflicted feelings are probably evidence that O’Donoghue has plotted her story in expert fashion. For the magic to work, you have to give up something you really want, and you have to keep believing that it’s going to be worth it.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Candlewick Press, for review.
416 pages / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian
Take, for instance, the gift of fame. Many individuals strive for recognition and success, longing for the notoriety that comes with it. However, once in the spotlight, the pressures and scrutiny can quickly erode one's mental health and personal life. The fame that was once seemingly a dream turns into a nightmare, with privacy invaded and constant pressure to maintain a certain image. Furthermore, gifts that are overly extravagant or excessive can lead to feelings of guilt and discomfort. Receiving lavish presents can make the recipient feel undeserving or guilty, especially if they are aware of the giver's financial or personal struggles. This guilt can tarnish the joy of receiving a gift and create a sense of unworthiness. The act of giving becomes tainted with negative emotions, turning what should have been a positive experience into a burden. In addition, some gifts can also create unrealistic expectations and a sense of entitlement. When someone consistently receives extravagant or expensive gifts, they may come to expect such treatment in the future. This entitlement can strain relationships and lead to disappointment if expectations are not met. The once-appreciated gifts become curses as they warp perspectives and create unachievable standards. In conclusion, not every gift is as it seems. While gifts are typically given with good intentions, they can turn into curses under certain circumstances. Whether due to dependency, unintended consequences, guilt, or unrealistic expectations, gifts have the potential to cause harm and strain. It is crucial to consider the potential consequences of a gift before giving, ensuring that it will bring joy rather than burden to the recipient..
Reviews for "The Burden of Talent: Every Gift Comes with a Weight to Carry"
1. Sandra - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Every Gift a Curse" after hearing so much hype, but I have to say I was quite disappointed. The story started off strong, but it quickly became repetitive and predictable. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, and the dialogue felt forced. The world-building was also lacking, leaving me with more questions than answers. Overall, the book just fell flat for me and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Michael - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "Every Gift a Curse". The writing style was confusing and hard to follow, and the plot seemed disjointed. I found myself lost and uninterested in the story, and the characters didn't do much to grab my attention either. It felt like a chore to keep reading, and eventually, I gave up. I was expecting much more from this book based on the reviews, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype for me.
3. Anna - 2 stars - I must be in the minority here, but I really didn't enjoy "Every Gift a Curse". The premise seemed intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was incredibly slow, and it took forever for anything interesting to happen. The protagonist lacked personality and I struggled to connect with them. Additionally, the ending felt rushed and unsatisfying. I wanted to like this book, but it just didn't deliver for me.