Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started for free
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Among Others summary
Brief summary
Among Others by Jo Walton is a captivating blend of fantasy and coming-of-age literature. It follows the story of a young girl who finds solace in books and magic after a tragic event, ultimately discovering the power of friendship and the ability to shape her own destiny.
Topics
Table of Contents
Among Others
Summary of key ideas
Escaping a Troubled Past
In Among Others by Jo Walton, we are introduced to a young girl named Morwenna, who is crippled and orphaned after a battle with her mother. She is sent to live with her estranged father and his sisters in England. Morwenna, or Mori, as she prefers to be called, has always been a bookworm and finds solace in reading science fiction and fantasy novels. She believes in the existence of fairies and other supernatural beings, and her belief is strengthened by an encounter with a magical being during her recovery.
Mori is enrolled in a boarding school, where she is an outsider due to her Welsh heritage, her disability, and her strange beliefs. She finds solace in the school's library, where she discovers a kindred spirit in a boy named Wim, who shares her love for science fiction. They form a book club, and their discussions about the books they love help Mori cope with her isolation.
Confronting the Past
As Mori settles into her new life, she is haunted by the memories of her mother and the magical world she left behind in Wales. She starts to experiment with magic, trying to make contact with the supernatural beings she once encountered. Her attempts are successful, but they also attract the attention of her mother, who is still trying to control her from afar.
Mori's relationship with her father and a romantic interest with a boy named Sam help her gain confidence and a sense of belonging. However, her newfound happiness is threatened when her mother tries to take control of her life again. Mori realizes that she must confront her mother and her past if she wants to move forward.
Embracing the Present and the Future
In a climactic showdown, Mori faces her mother and the supernatural forces she controls. With the help of her friends and her own growing magical abilities, she manages to defeat her mother and sever the connection between them. The victory comes at a cost, as Mori loses her ability to walk but gains a newfound sense of freedom and independence.
In the end, Mori decides to leave her boarding school and live with her father's sisters, who offer her the support and understanding she needs. She also discovers that her love for science fiction is not just an escape but a source of strength and inspiration. As she looks to the future, Mori knows that she can overcome any challenge, armed with the lessons she learned from her past and the power of her imagination.
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, Among Others is a captivating coming-of-age story that blends the real and the fantastical in a seamless narrative. Jo Walton beautifully captures the struggles and triumphs of a young girl who is forced to confront her past and carve out her own future. Through Mori's journey, we are reminded of the power of literature, the resilience of the human spirit, and the magic that exists within us all.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Among Others about?
Among Others by Jo Walton is a captivating blend of fantasy and coming-of-age novel. Set in 1979, it follows 15-year-old Morwenna as she navigates a new school, copes with the recent loss of her twin sister, and discovers her own powers of magic. Through her diary entries, Morwenna takes us on a journey filled with books, fairies, and the struggle to find her place in the world.
Among Others Review
Among Others by Jo Walton (2010) follows a young girl who uses books to navigate her challenging life. Here's why this book is a good read:
- Explores the power of books and imagination, creating a magical world where readers can lose themselves.
- Delicately weaves themes of loss, family, and resilience, offering a heartfelt exploration of the protagonist's journey.
- While a gentle pace, the book never lacks depth and keeps readers engaged with its unique storytelling approach.
Who should read Among Others?
Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with a touch of magic
Those who appreciate richly drawn characters and immersive world-building
Individuals who have a passion for science fiction and fantasy literature
Categories with Among Others
Book summaries like Among Others
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
43 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Among Others FAQs
What is the main message of Among Others?
The main message of Among Others is the power of books to shape and enrich our lives.
How long does it take to read Among Others?
Reading Among Others takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Among Others a good book? Is it worth reading?
Among Others is a captivating read. It offers a unique blend of fantasy and coming-of-age themes.
Who is the author of Among Others?
The author of Among Others is Jo Walton.
What to read after Among Others?
If you're wondering what to read next after Among Others, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher