Picture a British storyteller who weaves magic into the cobblestone streets of Cambridge—meet Menna van Praag! Known for her enchanting magical realism and the spellbinding Sisters Grimm trilogy, van Praag’s novels blend romance, fantasy, and heartfelt emotion. Her stories, translated into 26 languages, invite readers into whimsical worlds where ordinary lives shimmer with extraordinary possibilities.
Born and raised in Cambridge, England, van Praag’s journey from waitress to celebrated author is a tale of grit and dreams. With a knack for finding magic in the mundane, she’s captured hearts worldwide, all while teaching aspiring writers at Cambridge University.
The Making of Menna van Praag
Menna van Praag grew up surrounded by the historic charm of Cambridge, a setting that would later star in her novels. She studied Modern History at Balliol College, Oxford, but her heart leaned toward storytelling. For a decade, she juggled waitressing with writing, honing her craft at night. Her early career included stints as a script reader for BBC Films and TV, sharpening her sense of narrative. Inspired by magical realism giants like Alice Hoffman and Isabelle Allende, van Praag found her voice in tales that blend reality with a touch of enchantment.
Menna van Praag’s Unforgettable Stories
Van Praag’s debut novella, Men, Money & Chocolate (2009), a semi-autobiographical fable about a waitress chasing dreams, became a global hit, translated into 26 languages. Her first novel, The House at the End of Hope Street (2013), introduces a magical sanctuary for women in crisis, earning praise for its vivid worldbuilding and feminine strength. The Dress Shop of Dreams (2014) follows a scientist falling for a man with a magical voice, weaving romance and mystery in Cambridge’s All Saints Passage.
Her Sisters Grimm trilogy (2020–2023) marks a bold shift to dark fantasy. The series follows four half-sisters—Goldie, Liyana, Scarlet, and Bea—who discover their elemental powers in a mystical realm called Everwhere. Critics, including The Guardian, lauded its poetic narrative of empowerment, though some noted its complex structure. Van Praag’s lyrical prose and themes of resilience, love, and self-discovery shine across her work, making her a standout in magical realism.
Other gems include The Witches of Cambridge (2016), a quirky romantic tale of witches finding love, and The Lost Art of Letter Writing (2017), a heartfelt nod to connection. Her recent cozy crime series, The Biscuit Tin Murders, adds a playful twist to her repertoire, proving her versatility.
Why Menna van Praag Matters
Menna van Praag’s stories resonate because they celebrate the magic in everyday life. Her focus on strong female characters and themes like overcoming loss, abuse, and self-doubt speaks to readers seeking hope and inspiration. As a lecturer at Cambridge University and Anglia Ruskin University, she empowers aspiring writers, sharing her journey from self-publishing to international acclaim. Her work, often compared to Sarah Addison Allen and Jasper Fforde, has carved a niche in magical realism, inviting readers to see the world through a lens of wonder.
Van Praag’s global reach—her books are beloved in 26 languages—shows her universal appeal. Her ability to blend gritty realism with fantastical elements makes her a bridge between literary fiction and fantasy, appealing to diverse audiences.
- Born: Cambridge, England
- Key Works: Men, Money & Chocolate, The House at the End of Hope Street, The Sisters Grimm trilogy
- Genres: Magical realism, fantasy, romance
- Fun Fact: She once dreamed of creating a real-life sanctuary for artists, inspiring The House at the End of Hope Street.
Ready to fall under Menna van Praag’s spell? Grab The House at the End of Hope Street or dive into the Sisters Grimm trilogy for a dose of magical realism that’ll leave you enchanted!