There can't be anyone here who hasn't heard of Maxine Sanders so I won't bother with a biography. I'd been keen to read this book as soon as I heard about it despite having been told by a couple of people who were around at the time that she hasn't quite remembered things the way they have. I don't know whether this is true or whether it's sour grapes - either is a possibility as we all remember events differently. I did enjoy it despite that nagging doubt in the back of my mind. The editing leaves a bit to be desired but it makes you feel as though she did actually write it herself and it hasn't been completely polished up her publisher

The book takes us from Maxine's childhood more or less up to the present time although obviously dwells upon the time when she was most famous running her coven and temple in London. I enjoyed the description of her life there and have no idea when she found time to sleep. She obviously thoroughly enjoyed herself for most of the time despite the harshness of initiation ceremonies and the continuous calls upon her time, energy and home by people who seemed to think it was acceptable to arrive on her doorstep and demand her teachings. I admire her for the fact that she devoted her life to her craft despite the lack of money and security - it's something that I wish I had the courage to do. Perhaps it was easier then in a less materialistic culture or perhaps when you start off with no "stuff" it's easier to live a life without it.

Julia Oakmoon