The Charleston Library Society and the Charleston County Public Library proudly present a conversation with Lowcountry author Eden Royce as she celebrates the publication of her debut young adult novel, Root Magic. Royce will discuss the Gullah-Geechee folklore and culture in her work, the dynamics of southerness in fiction, and will show us a glimpse into the Big 5 publishing world as a writer. Ms. Royce will be in conversation with CCPL Teen System Coordinator, Darcy Coover, as she Zooms in from the UK for this family-friendly virtual event.
This event is free and open to the public, but requires an RSVP. To RSVP, fill out the form at the bottom of this page or call 843-723-9912.
To submit a question to ask Eden during the event please click here!
To order a copy of Root Magic, click here!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Debut author Eden Royce arrives with a wondrous story of love, bravery, friendship, and family, filled to the brim with magic great and small.
It’s 1963, and things are changing for Jezebel Turner. Her beloved grandmother has just passed away. The local police deputy won’t stop harassing her family. With school integration arriving in South Carolina, Jez and her twin brother, Jay, are about to begin the school year with a bunch of new kids. But the biggest change comes when Jez and Jay turn eleven— and their uncle, Doc, tells them he’s going to train them in rootwork.
Jez and Jay have always been fascinated by the African American folk magic that has been the legacy of their family for generations—especially the curious potions and powders Doc and Gran would make for the people on their island. But Jez soon finds out that her family’s true power goes far beyond small charms and elixirs…and not a moment too soon. Because when evil both natural and supernatural comes to show itself in town, it’s going to take every bit of the magic she has inside her to see her through.
ABOUT EDEN:
Eden Royce is from Charleston, South Carolina, and is a member of the Gullah Geechee nation. Her short stories have appeared in various print and online publications, including Fiyah, and she is the recipient of the Speculative Literature Foundation’s Diverse Worlds grant. Root Magic is her first book. Eden now lives in England with her husband and cat. You can find her online at www.edenroyce.com.
ABOUT DARCY:
Darcy Coover came from a background in education and student services before earning her MLIS in 2011 and coming to work at Charleston County Public Library. She served as the Assistant Manager of Young Adult Services until joining CCPL’s Department of Community Engagement in 2019 as Teen System Coordinator. She is a senior apprentice with Taiko Charleston, runs agility with her dog Kira, and collects cool-looking rocks.