Something Wicked This Book Reads – The Cloisters

Back in October, I was feeling witchy. For my fall book haul, I chose books that gave off spooky energy. It took me a minute to get around to reading, but I finally finished The Cloisters, by Katy Hays. It might not give traditional spookiness, but it sure was haunting with a shocking, unexpected ending! Step into the dark and dangerous side of the art world with this book review.

Summary of The Cloisters

Ann is excited to spend her summer working at The Metropolitan Museum of Art until she is reassigned to The Cloisters. The Cloisters is their sister institution less than 10 miles north of Manhattan. Relatively, it’s a short distance, but metaphorically, it’s a different world complete with a cast of characters. We meet kooky department leaders hellbent on proving out their research and upper-class elites who simply need a break from the pressures of life. Humble staff trying to make ends meet become Ann’s safety.

Ann is determined to make the most of any opportunity through The Met’s network in her hopes of landing a permanent research position. She embraces the change, expressing gratitude at the opportunity. When she discovers a 15th century tarot card deck, she is thrust into a world of dark ambition and dangerous power grabs. This leads her to question just how much she should be grateful for. Ann must confront her own skepticism. She must decide once and for all just how much magic the cards are capable of conjuring. Will they foretell friend or foe, victory or defeat, life or death?

Reception of The Cloisters

There was a lot of backlash surrounding the release of The Cloisters. Readers thought the book fell in the fantasy genre. In reality, it’s very much literary fiction. I understand how this could lead readers to feel betrayed, but this does not take away from how well-written the book is.

The characters are so unlikeable, you root for each of them to fail. I enjoyed seeing each of their downfalls, and down they swiftly fall. My only complaint is that there wasn’t enough tarot for me. I wanted to explore more of the history of divination and fortune-telling, but this book made me want to do my own research, it was that intriguing.

Overall, I rated The Cloisters 4/5 stars. If you enjoyed The Secret History, by Donna Tartt, you’ll love this latest entry in dark academia. Readers are transported to the stacks and immersed in the competitive world of research. For such an esteemed establishment, you can’t help but notice how it’s driven by the most primal urges and vices.

I sincerely hope you’ll give The Cloisters a read – or maybe add a visit to the institute on your next visit to NYC.

If you are looking to purchase a copy of The Cloisters after reading this book review, check out the books collected in my Amazon List: Tarot Lovers.