Among Others

Tor Books

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Headquarters	United States
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Among Others is a 2011 fantasy novel authored by Welsh-Canadian writer Jo Walton. Initially released by Tor Books in North America, it later appeared in the UK through Corsair (Constable & Robinson). The novel earned prestigious accolades, including the 2011 Nebula Award for Best Novel, the 2012 Hugo Award for Best Novel, and the 2012 British Fantasy Award.

Background

Among Others marks Walton's ninth literary work. Composed over 36 days from February to May 2008, the story carries semi-autobiographical elements, delving into the "coming-of-age experience of having books instead of people for friends," a theme that has resonated deeply with many readers. Walton incorporated aspects of her life as a Welsh student attending an English boarding school and her upbringing with a mother suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, which shaped the depiction of the protagonist’s mother.

The novel’s backdrop mirrors Walton’s childhood in Wales during the late 1970s. She characterizes it as "a mythologisation of part of my life," merging fantasy with autobiographical content. Originally titled The Industrial Ruins of Elfland, the book was renamed Among Others after a friend's suggestion, inspired by its frequent citation in bibliographies and its alignment with the novel’s themes.

Its first publication took place in North America through Tor in January 2011, followed by a UK release via Corsair in October 2012.

Plot

The narrative unfolds as the diary of Morgana, a 15-year-old Welsh enthusiast of science fiction and fantasy during 1979 and 1980. She and her twin sister Morwenna—both called "Mor" or "Mori"—grew up engaging with creatures they identify as faeries in the Welsh hills. Several months before the story begins, their mother—portrayed as mentally unstable and a witch—attempts to harness power to dominate the world. The sisters thwart her plans, but Morwenna dies in a car accident, leaving Morgana with a leg injury. Morgana adopts her sister’s name while still using Mori as a nickname.

With her mother mentally unwell and her grandfather incapacitated, Mori is sent to reside with her father and his three half-sisters in western England, all strangers to her. Separated from her sister, rural home, and mobility, she relies heavily on books—a passion she shares with her father—to manage her new existence as a disabled outsider.

Her paternal relatives enroll her in a nearby girls' boarding school, which she finds lacking magic and emotionally isolating. Due to rapid academic progress and physical limitations from her injury preventing sports participation, Mori has substantial free time. She immerses herself in reading materials from her father’s collection, the school library, local public library, and interlibrary loans. Her diary reflects detailed responses to these books alongside other experiences. After casting a spell aimed at discovering kindred spirits, she joins a science fiction/fantasy readers' group at the library and eventually meets a boyfriend who shares her enthusiasm for literature and magic, despite his limited ability to perceive fairies or perform spells.

Magic remains integral to Mori’s life. Shortly after arriving at school, her mother sends letters and photographs with Mori’s image obscured by burns and initiates magical assaults attempting to control her. Mori experiments with magic alongside fairies near school but must return to Wales to establish genuine connections and safeguard herself. Presented with an opportunity to join her deceased sister as a fairy—a choice that entails death—she opts to embrace life with all its uncertainties. Following a final magical confrontation with her mother, Mori triumphs and returns to her new family and boyfriend.

Genre and themes

Among Others merges elements of fantasy with a coming-of-age narrative. Structured as an epistolary novel through diary entries, it traces Mori's experiences ranging from everyday issues such as academic performance to engaging in ritualistic magic intended for the deceased. The story carefully navigates between affirming and questioning the existence of magic and fairies; nevertheless, author Jo Walton has confirmed that magic is indeed genuine within the novel’s universe.

The book delves into the ethical considerations surrounding the use of magic. Mori becomes conscious of how magic can influence others’ autonomy and commits to employing it solely for defensive purposes. Additionally, the narrative emphasizes the role of literature in offering solace amid sorrow and adversity.

The concept of "otherness" remains a pivotal theme: Mori experiences isolation at her English boarding school due to her Welsh heritage, disability, preference for solitary reading, and being among the few who can perceive fairies—until she shares this ability with her boyfriend Wim.

Reception

Among Others garnered widespread critical praise. In 2012, The Guardian characterized it as "one of only a handful of novels ever to get such a grand-slam shortlisting for all the major science fiction literary prizes."

Ursula K. Le Guin, writing for The Guardian, described it as "a funny, thoughtful, acute and absorbing story all the way through." Likewise, Elizabeth Bear on tor.com lauded its "sublime" narrative voice and richly developed characters, deeming it Walton’s finest work so far.

On the other hand, Elizabeth Hand in The Washington Post remarked that although the novel serves as "a love letter to the literature of the fantastic and to SF fandom," it is "problematic as well as charming" due to a relatively minimal plot progression.

Awards and honors

Year	Award	Category	Result
2011	Nebula Award	Best Novel	Template:Won
2012	British Fantasy Award	Robert Holdstock Award (Best Fantasy Novel)	Template:Won
	Hugo Award	Best Novel	Template:Won
	Locus Award	Best Fantasy Novel	Template:Sho
	Mythopoeic Award	Adult Literature	Template:Sho
	World Fantasy Awards	Novel	Template:Sho
2014	Kurd Laßwitz Award	Foreign Novel	Template:Won
2015	Seiun Award	Best Translated Novel	Template:Sho

External links

• An Evening with Jo Walton, video interview, 23 February 2012
• Tor Books website
• Constable & Robinson website