Enchantments

The narrator of Linda Ferri’s charismatic debut is a fortunate daughter, growing up with her family in Italy and France, leading a life of wonder and plenty. There is horseback riding. There are late-night ice cream runs. There are neighbors, friends, and eventually, boys. For the time being, suffering means tickle torture, a lost turtle, or a bossy friend.

But, as she grows, the world around her begins to sharpen. Shadows appear and doubts begin to creep. And finally, the dangers of the ad...