Review: "The Magic Pouch" by Hank Angus

Fantasy is a genre that I rarely read but I was motivated to pick up The Magic Pouch because it is written by Hank Angus, the husband of a friend and coworker. The story is about a small village’s struggle to end the curse that the wicked witch Cancer has cast on all the land. The curse is an illness that affects and takes the lives of the people, it does not discriminate and both young and old are affected. As the story opens, a cure has finally been found but there is a catch. The potion must be poured on letters written by ill children to the local chemist begging for a cure and then read aloud. Anyone within earshot that hears these readings are cured! Since all who are ill and their families are gathered together for a festival that is held once a year to honor them, it is decided to produce a batch of the cure and perform the miracle at the festival. The only problem is, the festival is held 135 miles away and the evil witch, Cancer will do everything in her power to stop the people from getting it there.

As the foreword acknowledges, the Angus’ have been touched by cancer more than most. Although this is not an easy subject to write about and some may have used this opportunity to fill the pages with despair, Mr. Angus has filled this story full of hope and love. Make no mistake, this is not a child’s story and bad things happen to the good people involved but everyone knows the potential outcome and willingly gives of themselves for the betterment of others.

I highly recommend this book. At times I was in tears while reading this story because of the pain felt by the characters but I was also overwhelmed with the love and hope infused into the story. Cancer doesn’t stand a chance!!!