Enchantment

Our sense of enchantment is not only triggered by grand things. The awe-inspiring, the numinous, is all around us, all the time. It is transformed by our deliberate attention. It becomes valuable when we value it. The magic is of our own conjuring...

In Enchantment, Katherine May takes readers on a profound journey through the labyrinth of modern life, contemplation, and self-discovery. After enduring the isolating and tumultuous years of the pandemic—juggling parenting, work, and pervasive anxiety about the events beyond her control—May feels utterly depleted. Struggling with an overwhelming news cycle and a sense of disconnection, she begins to question if there is a more fulfilling way to live, one that would allow her to feel more connected, rested, and at peace amidst the chaotic changes in the world.

Seeking a new path, May turns to the natural world for solace and renewal. She finds profound comfort in simple, deliberate attentions—a pebble in the hand, the humbling presence of the sea, the grounding pleasure of bare feet on the earth, and the enchanting allure of a moon shadow. Through cultivating these rituals, she rediscovers the quiet nourishment that comes from reconnecting with her surroundings.

Blending poetic lyricism with poignant storytelling, sensitivity, and deep empathy, Enchantment invites readers to rediscover the richness of human experience in all its sensory and emotional complexity. It is a guide to finding unexpected beauty in everyday moments waiting to be cherished. With personal insights and a deeply reflective narrative, Katherine May opens the door to a way of seeing the world that is both ancient and accessible, encouraging us to value and savour the enchantment that exists around us.

'A beautiful, gentle exploration of the dark season of life and the light of spring that eventually follows.' - Raynor Winn, on Wintering

'A book for the soul.' - Caitlin Moran, on Wintering