Brinda Charry's latest novel, "Hocus Pocus," features an Indian stage magician named Samuel, who arrives in Boston from Europe. This character's journey mirrors Charry's own migration to the U.S. from India in 1999. Set in 1816, a year marked by unusual cold and dubbed the "year without a summer," the novel introduces Samuel as a curiosity in the city, particularly within the New Boston Museum, where curator Walter Mepham treats him as a mere exotic artifact.
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As the narrative unfolds, Walter’s fascination with Samuel evolves into a deeper obsession, complicating his perception of the magician. Charry emphasizes the tension between how Samuel is seen and how he perceives himself as a performer in an unfamiliar city.
Originally from India, Charry came to the U.S. to attend Syracuse University and later settled in Keene, New Hampshire, where she teaches at Keene State College. "Hocus Pocus" is her fourth novel and follows her recent work, "The East Indian," which tells the story of a young boy after his kidnapping and relocation to Jamestown, Virginia. Although she currently resides in New Hampshire, Charry expresses a strong emotional connection to Boston, which she views as integral to her story.
The depiction of Boston in the novel contrasts sharply with contemporary views of the city, capturing a time of uncertainty and unusual climate that impacted residents profoundly. Local historian Gordon Harris notes that 1816 saw frost in every month, influencing public behavior as many stayed indoors while seeking entertainment in the form of performances like Samuel's.
Professor Stephen Wood from Northeastern University highlights that magic in 1816 aimed to convince audiences of its authenticity. The tricks presented often catered to the upper class, with complex props and costumes playing a significant role. Charry explores how Samuel's performance intersects with societal perceptions of race and identity, noting that many people tend to oversimplify complex identities by viewing him strictly through the lens of ethnicity.
Samuel faces racial hostility, which leads him and Walter to leave Boston temporarily for other performances. Charry reflects on these issues, pointing out the desire for individuals to categorize others easily, reducing their multifaceted identities to simplistic labels. Despite her initial uncertainty about including magic in the story, she now sees it as a means for exploring transcendent identities, suggesting that magic can unite diverse audiences. Wood agrees, emphasizing that magic's visual nature transcends cultural boundaries, allowing it to appeal to a broad range of people.