The Wizards of Once book 3. Hodder Children's Books, 2019.
ISBN: 9781444941470.
(Age: 10-13) Recommended.This is the third book in the Once
series and continues the adventures of Xar and Wish who are from
opposing kingdoms. Xar is a boy wizard who has struggled with magic
and Wish is a warrior girl with magical gifts that are not
appreciated by her people, especially her mother, the indominable
Queen Sychorax. In previous novels, Xar and Wish became friends,
much to the horror of their parents.
In the exciting opening to book 3 the children, Xar, Wish, her not
so fearsome bodyguard Bodkin and an assortment of magnificent and
magical creatures are escaping from Xar and Wish's parents, King
Encanzo the Enchanted and the warrior queen, Sychorax. Unbeknown to
them, they are also being pursued by the witches they accidentally
released in book 1.
Xar and Wish's mission is to try to find all the ingredients to make
a potion that will rid their kingdoms from the evil of witches
forever.
I feel this series improves with each sequel. I found the characters
endearing and humorous and enjoyed the close escapes and high action
in this book. More of the background story of their parents is
revealed and many previously unconnected events are brought
together.
This book is a chance for Bodkin the fainting bodyguard to shine and
prove his worth to himself and the group.
I loved all the magical characters, although my heart belongs to the
adorable, tiny "Squeezjoos" a hairy fairy, with his comical antics
and comments and the beautiful and loyal snowcats.
Cressida Cowell's artwork is a constant throughout the novel and
adds a wonderful layer to the whole story.
The story is unfinished and a fourth sequel will be forthcoming.
Lovers of fantasy books will enjoy this story and I recommend this
book to children aged 10 to 13 years old.
Small trailer here.
Jane Moore
Euphoria Kids by Alison Evans
Publisher: Echo, 2020. ISBN: 9781760686505. 247pp., pbk.
(Age: Young Adult Readers) A modern Young Adult fairy tale exploring
belonging, identity, friendship and gender. Alison Evans has written
a very imaginative story full of magic and tenderness.
I find Alison's books have a way to provide support and
representation that is aimed at gender queer youth. She has managed
to do this once again with a modern fairy tale full of magic,
witches, realms, faeries and many other magic folks. I think
Alison's books are a great addition to a school library to help
queer kids try to find a place in our world and school. Euphoria Kids takes the reader on a journey exploring three
characters, Iris, Babs and a boy who has not got a name yet. They
meet each other at school and become good friends. They explore who
they are and who they want to be while supporting one another
finding their true self. All three come from loving and supportive
families and we read how they negotiate life between school, family,
home, classes, the woods, and magical realm.
The characters are very interesting and you could probably read more
into them. Iris is identified as non-binary and who grew from a
seed. Babs is a girl who is a girl who often feels invisible and
sometimes is, she is made of fire. There is also a trans boy who is
new to the school who has not yet found his real name.
I must say when I first picked up Euphoria Kids I thought
does this continue from Alison's last book Highway
Bodies a zombie apocalypse novel which I enjoyed. Nope,
Euphoria Kids is nothing like it but still an enjoyable read.
Maria Komninos
Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Peirce
Macmillan Children's Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781529029260.
(Ages 9-12). Highly recommended. Max and the Midknights is a funny,
exciting adventure story set in the Middle Ages and told with a
mixture of text, speech bubbles and comic panels by the author of
the Big Nate series.
The main character Max is a troubadour apprentice to Uncle Budrick
but dearly wants to become a Knight. But there is a problem, Max is
a girl, something that is not revealed until nearly 60 pages into
the story. She travels with her Uncle to his childhood home Byjovias
only to find that the kingdom has been taken over by a nasty
treacherous King Gastley who has bewitched the population to make
them compliant.
King Gastley makes her uncle his castle fool and Max sets out to
rescue him with her new friends Kevyn, Millie and Simon (who form
the Midknights) and a retired magician called Mumblin who often
messes up his magic spells. Mumblin reveals to Max that she is
mentioned in a book of Prophesies which says she is to undertake a
journey to save the Kingdom. Max shows how brave and determined she
is as she leads her group on the quest which includes encounters
with zombies in the haunted woods, friendly flying dragons, a real
knight and a sorceress. This story has everything from magic rings
to enchanted swords and a lost king hidden in a high tower. Told
using quite modern language but including some excellent information
about life in the Middle Ages, this book will be popular with both
boys and girls in middle primary. Themes: Knights and knighthood,
Middle Ages, Troubadours, Sex role.
Gabrielle Anderson
Charlie morphs into a mammoth by Sam Copeland
Illus. by Sarah Horne. Penguin Books, 2020. ISBN: 9780241346235.
320pp.
(Ages 8-12). Highly recommended. Charlie McGuffin has a unique
ability to change into animals and he uses this ability to help his
friends and solve problems, just like a real super-hero. In this
third very funny book of the series he is beginning to be able to
control which animal he changes into. Charlie can metamorphize just
by thinking of something sad or upsetting and he uses the fact that
his mum and dad seem to be on the verge of separating as the tool to
change in this book.
Having faced a very sick brother, a schoolyard bully and nearly
losing the family home in the previous books Charlie is faced with
his parent's constant arguments and some mysterious animal
disappearances around him in this story. His friends are also are
finding it increasingly difficult to keep his special ability a
secret and when it starts to appear as if he himself is behind the
petnappings he and his friends band together to find out what is
really going on.
Sam Copeland engages the reader with a great story but also with
some disruptions at various points in the book, such as letters from
readers of his previous books at the beginning, disagreements with
his illustrator halfway through and conflicts with the publisher
about some content. The fact that the titles of his books have
little to do with the story is a source of funny exchanges with the
publisher at various times throughout the story. Small footnotes
about the animals Charlie changes into are also a great addition to
the book and could be used by teachers to explore the use of them as
a tool in writing.
Children will love the fact that sometimes Charlie becomes a
creature that puts him into some very yucky places especially when
he turns into a Nematode worm and is eaten by his enemy Dylan. His
journey through Dylan's body is an entertaining couple of chapters
indeed! An entertaining read. Themes: Family relationships,
Shapeshifters/Metamorphosis, Friendship.
Gabrielle Anderson
Orphans of the Tide by Struan Murray
Puffin, 2020. ISBN: 9780241384435.
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Ellie is an orphan, who is a tinkerer and is
continuing her Mother's trade as fixer and creator of strange items
in her workshop near the Orphanage where she used to live. Her
brother's recent death has left her alone and she has had to learn
to be resilient and self-reliant. In a world where the sea has
claimed most of the city, a whale is beached on the top of one of
the submerged buildings. Ellie releases a boy, Seth, from within the
dead carcass and with that act of rescue also unleashes the fear of
her home community about the dark power known as the Enemy - the
evil cause of the devastation in her City. This enemy is known to
take over and possess the body of an individual (the Vessel) and
seems to parasitise and wreak power over their life and create havoc
in the island city. The local people of the City want to get rid of
the evil and are in fear of its presence and so make every effort to
get rid of the Vessel. Ellie wants to save the innocent boy from the
local fearmongers, the Inquisitors and their attempts to destroy
him. He may not be the Enemy, but he is very unusual! Ellie retains
a friendship with fellow Orphan, Anna, who helps Ellie and Seth as
they set out to set things right. But overshadowing shame that Ellie
feels and the secret she carries may cause all of her friends to
know great distress.
This is a fantasy novel with a dark and foreboding quality - the
possession of an individual by an evil 'power' is quite sinister.
The world of the sunken City is also very unusual and with ruins and
strange remnant architecture as the foundation of existence the
author has created a very different environment for the action of
the fantasy story. There is action and supernatural unusual
influences through the course of the story and it is a dark fantasy
tale for young teen readers. I would not recommend this for
too-young readers, even though the central characters seem to be
young, because of the chilling nature of possession by an evil
power. Teen readers may be able to recognise the hints of the power
of fear, shame and guilt that are threaded through the unusual
story. It is well written and compelling with a strong female lead
character and will appeal to devotees of the dark and gothic genre
because it has such an unreal and ethereal quality and will also
appeal to enthusiasts of fantasy and dystopian fiction.
Recommended for readers aged 13+ (with care to avoid recommending to
those who might be prone to nightmares!) Themes: Fantasy; Grief and
loss; Supernatural; Fear; Shame and guilt.
Carolyn Hull
Children of the Otori series by Lian Hearn
Hachette, 2020. Orphan Warriors. ISBN 9780733641213. Sibling Assassins. ISBN 9780733643545.
(Age: Secondary/adult) Highly recommended. Lian Hearn continues her
enthralling Children of the Otori series in these two new
books: Orphan warriors and Sibling assassins. Set
again in the medieval fantasy world in Japan, the five previous
novels sold in their millions, and were followed by two prequels. Orphan
warriors and Sibling assassins follow the perilous
life of Arai Sunaomi. Around him are members of the feuding clans
and the Tribe, all trying to survive, manipulate and or gain power.
Sunaomi and his younger brother have been saved from execution by
their aunt after the disgrace and treachery of their parents, but
they must remain as monks in the Terayama temple. It is here that
Sunaomi, now known as Kasho, begins to realise he has special powers
but as yet does not understand them. Others however see his
potential and wish to use him for their own ends.
Chief among these is Hisao a ghost master who seeks to become a
powerful controller with the aid of Kasho and his ability to bring
inanimate objects to life. Then there is also the Tribe, a group who
with special training and talents wish to have Kasho within their
realm and use him to their own ends. He is able to stay alive
through the help of some faithful retainers and some members of the
Tribe, but he is never sure who he can trust or if he is really in
control of his gifts.
In Sibling assassins a few years have passed and Arai
Sunaomi is now 17 and seemingly enjoying a safer more comfortable
life. He will be the heir of his aunt and other powerful families
wish to be allied to him. His friend Masao has gone off the rails; he is
accused of murdering a young noble and fled. Sunaomi is tasked with
finding him and bringing him back to face the consequences.
He must also travel to Hoshu to gain intelligence on Terada Fumio
now Lord in Hoshu, the Hidden a religious sect, the influence of
western foreigners as well as numbers of ships and western weaponry.
Sunaomi and his small retinue soon find that their credentials from
his aunt and the Empress mean little and danger lurks everywhere.
This extends not only to the world of men but the supernatural as
well. His relationship with Utahime the dead sister of Masao is one
which threatens his sanity and his ability to interact with those
who faithfully serve him.
Terada is forming alliances, ships and western weapons to rebel
against the rulers in Miyako. Sunaomi has no status in Hofu. He is
seen as a young boy with no experience and no backbone, and finds
himself without friends and imprisoned. It is only by chance during
a typhoon that he is freed and able to escape the city to safety and
those loyal to the Empress.
For those who have not read any of the Otori series before,
I would recommend you do read them or check out the outlines on the
web. I had not read some of the later books in the series and found
the Orphan warriors problematic because of the number of
characters. The author does give a list at the beginning of the
books which is helpful, and when reading Sibling assassins
it was much easier to gasp what was happening and enjoy the
narrative far more. For those who are fans of Lian Hearn (Gillian
Rubinstein) and the Otori books I have no doubt you will
once again enjoy delving into to mystical, magical, medieval
Japanese world she creates. Themes: Fantasy, Japan.
Mark Knight
Bab Sharkey and the animal mummies: the prickly battle by Andrew Hansen
Illus. by Jessica Roberts. Walker Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781760651190.
240pp.
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. This is the fourth in a series of
adorably crazy stories about a boy called Bab Sharkey who becomes
the new Pharaoh of the lost city of Animal Mummies, after a magical
Pharaoh's beard attaches itself to his chin (Book one: The
weird beard). He becomes the ruler of a group of dead
mummified creatures who become his friends despite their smell.
After enduring the cruel Unpharaoh, who has seemingly passed into
the afterlife, the kindly Bab is very welcome.
The author, Andrew Hansen, a standout comedian and writer for comedy
shows such as The Chaser, has lots of funny asides and
comments added in his story about Bab grappling with Unpharaoh now
leading a large army of enslaved animal mummies to overthrow him.
Jessica Robert's illustrations add to the humour of the text. Spread
throughout the novel they strangely illustrate the world Hansen
creates, giving it a grounding that is easy to assimilate.
Jessica Roberts and husband Andrew Hansen have co-authored the
series, inspired by a trip to Egypt where they saw a range of
mummified animals including a fish and ibis, the creatures which
make up Bab's friends, Scaler and Prong.
The Mummy files at the end of the book give a fascinating profile of
the main characters and is followed by a brief biography of Andrew
and Jessica, and advertisements for the other three novels in the
series. Themes: Fantasy, History, Adventure.
Fran Knight
Meet Taj at the Lighthouse by Maxine Beneba Clarke and Nicki Greenberg
Aussie Kids series. Penguin, 2020. ISBN: 9781760894528.
(Age: 6-8) Recommended. Puffin's new Aussie Kids series is
written for emerging readers and introduces fun characters who live
in special places around Australia.
Taj loves wearing his lightning bolt t-shirt, it makes him feel like
he can do anything. With his Mama and Dadda they left behind their
close family and friends and a strife-ridden country to move to
Australia. At first things are difficult, different foods, language
and his father can't find work. His mother encourages him to believe
things will turn out, even when he feels discouraged.
When Dadda comes home and tells them to pack up Taj is surprised.
The family journey down the Great Ocean Road surrounded by all their
belongings. To Taj's surprise they stop at a lighthouse with a
little cottage on the side. His father has a new job as the
lighthouse guide and Taj has a new school to attend. His new
classmates are friendly, asking him about the lighthouse and his
background. Taj explains about his special t-shirt and the teacher
announces he will be called Taj Lightning from now on.
Maxine Beneba Clarke's story helps young readers with feelings of
being in a new country, overcoming and facing fears and the problems
facing immigrant children. Inclusivity and acceptance are key
values, presented through loving words and encouragement to be
brave.
Blue and black tones fill the pages; Taj's t-shirt is bold and
bright. Nicki Greenberg captures the children's emotions as they
surround Taj in the classroom, she shows his growth and happiness in
finding his special place - joining the Nippers and practising
rescuing. Fun facts about lighthouses are included as well. Themes:
Immigrant children, School life, Inclusivity.
Rhyllis Bignell
Alice-Miranda at school by Jacqueline Harvey
10th Anniversary Edition. Penguin Random House, 2020. ISBN:
9781760896034. hbk.
(Ages: 6-10). Recommended. Alice-Miranda
Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones has decided to go to boarding school
and phoned to ask if she can start early at 7 and a quarter, much to
the concern of her extremely wealthy parents. She strides into
Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies with
all the confidence of an adult, knowing that her mother and
grandmother had attended the same school before her. She sets about
solving all the problems she encounters with the staff and students
including taking on the fearsome Head Mistress, Miss Grimm, who has
not been seen for many years by anyone but her secretary.
The character of Alice-Miranda was created by the author to
illustrate that kindness and courage are the most important things
to strive for and Alice-Miranda certainly has both of those
attributes along with skills and an attitude you would normally
expect in a much older person. To all the adults in the story she is
quite confronting, but she certainly appeals to her young readers as
this series has been extremely popular. This reprint of the first
book in the long series that launched Alice-Miranda is the tenth
Anniversary edition and includes a letter from the author outlining
her gratitude to all who helped bring the character to life with
her.
I liked this book, but I had some issues with Alice-Miranda being so
perfect and so right all the time. Her parents allow her to solve
most of the problems she encounters by paying enormous amounts of
money for anything she asks for - such as a holiday for the school
cook to America by private helicopter and landscaping services for
the gardener to replace the flowers in the grounds. Perhaps this is
part of the charm of the story, but it does not reflect real life
for most of the general population.
It is not a difficult book to read and is written using lots of
dialogue, making the story move quickly. It would be a great novel
for younger readers who are reading at a higher level. Themes:
Boarding school, Family relationships, Friendship.
Gabrielle Anderson
The Conference of the Birds by Ransom Riggs
Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series book 5. Penguin, 2020.
ISBN: 9780241320907. pbk., 228 pp.
(Age: Young Adult Readers) From the first page I was hooked. The
action starts immediately and I felt like I was in one of those
action films from the 80s in Chinatown hiding from a gang chasing
me. Right from the start I was on adventure and thinking . . . what
has happened? Why are the main characters running? This, I think is
a brilliant way to start a book and to hook any Young Adult reader. The Conference of the Birds is Ransom Riggs fifth instatement
of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children. I have watched the
first film but this is the first of Riggs' books that I've read. I
did find the characters' peculiar and the monsters scary but hey
that's what the series is all about.
Ransom has a great imagination and awesome story telling skills. His
characters are so peculiar and the way he writes about them you
think the person sitting next to you could be one of them. I'll be
watching from now on if they have special powers.
I enjoyed reading about Jacob and discovering who Noor is and her
background and what she stands for, for Peculiars. The friendship
they formed was cool. I really felt for Noor living as an orphan and
not knowing her past and learning more about it as the story went.
Young Adults would love reading this book because it's the children
that run the story and not the adults. I love the way Ransom
incorporates unusual antique photographs into his story telling. The
photos are scattered throughout the book and helps the reader
visualize characters as they are introduced. I am definitely going
to use these photographs in future writing lessons with my students.
I think getting a student to read Ransom's books and seeing how he
uses the photos students will be writing in no time. I think the
cover is awesome and like the antique feel of it. It makes this
series special. Miss Peregrine's Peculiar children series has a new fan in me
and I'm ready to start the series from the start. Also hope more
films are made from the series.
Maria Komninos
The best kind of beautiful by Frances Whiting
Macmillan, 2019. ISBN: 9781743535134. 336pp.
(Age: Adults - Adolescents) This is an intense, loving, evocative
and powerful novel that draws us into a story of a family whose love
for each other is palpable. An unusual family, their lives are
dominated by the father, who runs the family as a much-beloved
musical group. Their talent in playing instruments and singing to
adoring audiences is something that brings them together and is at
the centre of their lives for many years. In a tight-knit family
that bursts with talent, we see their world in the spotlight, as
much respected, indeed adored, for their singing, playing and the
deep love that they share.
Yet, like all families, over time things happen that disturb the
dynamics of this family's glorious career, and it is in her capacity
to show how each character must find a way to deal with changes, and
work to make these happen without loss of loyalty and musical
prowess, that Whiting creates her beautiful narrative. The father is
at the centre of their little universe, and it is under his loving
and demanding care that they perform. When things change, each
character has to find a way to cope, and this is the story of their
adjustments, their changing lives and their individual pursuit of
happiness.
This novel sparkles with the joy of music, singing, friendship and
that special love of a family. Yet it is a narrative that focuses on
the complexity of love, ambition, loyalty and the demands of family.
It would be suitable for adolescent readers and adults alike.
Elizabeth Bondar
Monster Nanny by Tuutikki Tolonen
Allen and Unwin, 2020. ISBN: 9781760525590. pbk., 298 pp.
(Age: 7-11) Monster Nanny the title says it all. If you're a
Roald Dahl fan you will enjoy reading Monster Nanny by
Finnish author Tuutikki Tolonen. I found it was a refreshing change
of pace from the majority of books out there and a nice return to
timeless adventure. As soon as I saw the cover I thought of Where
The Wild Things Are and yes the monsters did remind me of the
book.
Halley, Koby and Mimi's mum has won a spa trip to Lapland and due to
Invisible Voice (the dad) always being away for work and not being
able to be there to watch the kids, a nanny has been promised to
watch the kids. This nanny is no ordinary nanny but a huge, half
human, hairy, dirty, dust covered monster. Mum has been convinced
that the monster is ok and is part of a "secret special experiment .
. . researching new options for child care work" so off she goes and
the children are left in the care of Monster Nanny. Monster Nanny is a delightful read that any middle school
student will enjoy. The children in the story were easy to relate to
and take us on an adventure to discover who the monster is and where
it came from. Along the way we meet other monsters, a talking robe
and little monster mosquitos.
This is one book I would add to my shelf in the classroom for all
kids to enjoy. Before I forget, the black and white illustrations in
the book were a great addition. Looking forward to reading more
books from Tolonen.
Maria Komninos
In the Clearing by J. P. Pomare
Hachette, 2020. ISBN: 9781869713393.
Recommended for adults. J. P. Pomare delivers a taut psychological
thriller loosely based on the Victorian Family Cult which controlled
its followers through brainwashing and subjected the children to
abuse.
Told in two voices, teenager Amy who lives in the Clearing, totally
dominated by the Elders and adult Freya who lives with her son Billy
in a safe house, scared of the outside world. The author builds a
tightly controlled plot, leaving little breadcrumbs - times, dates,
family structure, even chapter headings, be very aware as Freya's
and Amy's stories take you on an emotional journey.
Security is key in Freya's world, she's escaped from an horrific
upbringing and taken refuge in an isolated farmhouse, protected by
her guard dog Rocky. Shutters, a security system, panic buttons and
a fire bunker, all assist Freya in her bid to be safe and protected.
When bunches of flowers are left on her doorstep and strangers are
seen at her swimming hole, Freya's anxiety levels build, her
paranoia grows, and she feels a sense of deja vu. Her first son
Aspen was kidnapped, and she is over-vigilant in protecting Billy.
Amy's diary entries chronicle the deprivation, the rigid control,
the brainwashing and terror she experiences in The Clearing. The
chosen children are starved, forced to hide in The Hole when
strangers visit, have their sleep controlled and suffer cruel
punishments. Amy believes that outsiders are blue devils and she
must remain true to Adrienne their leader. When new girl Asha who
was kidnapped on her way home from school, tells of her life on the
outside, Amy begins to question her life and the world outside. In the Clearing is filled with twists and turns, at times
very graphic and confronting, skilfully written, even frightening at
times. Pomare's tension-building plot, his separate yet
interconnected storylines and explosive conclusion, make this a
powerful psychological suspense novel. Themes: Psychological
thriller, Cults - Australia, Missing Persons, Secrecy.
Rhyllis Bignell
Scorch Dragons by Amie Kaufman
Elementals book 2. HarperCollins Children's Books, 2019.
ISBN: 9781460755280. 448pp. pbk.
(Age: Middle Years 9+) Recommended. Dragons, wolves, adventure and
magic. What else does a middle grade reader want in a book? Just
imagine being able to transform into a dragon or a wolf, something
any middle grader would love to do. Scorched Dragons is, Amie Kaufman's second book from Elementals
series. I can see why she is a New York Bestseller author.
Right from the start I knew it will be a book I could not put down.
I loved the detailed map of the land of Vallen I was about to visit.
I have not read book one, Ice
Wolves and I gathered that Scorched Dragons
leads on from after the war that reunited Anders and Rayna who are
twins that are totally opposites. Together with Lisabet they go on a
hunt for a weather changing artefact called the Snowstone. They must
find the Snowstone or the dragons will be in trouble.
I loved reading about the history of the conflict between dragons
and the wolves and why each other hated the other. It was great to
see wolves and dragons working together to save everyone and
learning that the things they were taught over the years about each
other were untrue. Anders and Rayna also discover who their parents
are. Scorched Dragons is a great fantasy book all about adventure,
magic, transformation magic, friendships and friendships between
enemies.
The characters were good and you could picture them transforming
into dragons and wolves. They did stay in their human form most of
the time which made it easier for me to relate to what was happening
and finding the story more real.
I must say, Kess is my favourite character. Their lost cat that
reappears during the story. Hehe can you tell I'm a cat person.
Maria Komninos
The other Bennet sister by Janice Hadlow
Pan Macmillan, 2020. ISBN: 9781509842032. 320pp.
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended. Mary is the other Bennet sister, the
one we hear least about in Jane Austen's Pride and prejudice.
Jane and Lizzie, the two eldest are beautiful and intelligent, the
two younger ones, Kitty and Lydia, are vain and flighty, and Mary is
the one in the middle, the plain and serious one with her head in
books. Mary is the object of her mother's disdain, seen as the most
unattractive and least marriageable of her daughters, and even her
father spares little thought for her, Lizzie being his favourite.
Author Hadlow takes the character of Mary and retells Austen's story
from Mary's perspective. Part One is Pride and prejudice
retold, we remember key scenes and events but told by a different
narrator. This section of the novel would make an excellent focus
for the English curriculum study of appropriation and adaptation as
a literary device.
But then Hadlow goes further. She imagines what happens to Mary
after the ending of Pride and prejudice when the four other
sisters are all happily settled and secure in their marriages. Mary
is in an extremely untenable position with no home of her own, no
income, no marriage prospects, and parents that are embarrassed by
her. She moves from place to place staying in turn with sisters,
friends and relatives. She continues to read, the subjects more and
more intellectually demanding, and she observes the marriages of
others, gradually coming to an appreciation of the qualities that
make a good relationship. As she matures, she is fortunate to have
the encouragement of some who have an appreciation of her good
qualities and intellect, and there are even male companions who seem
to take an interest in her.
In Hadlow's story, Mary is the kind of heroine we find in Jane
Eyre, self-effacing and lonely, a plain but good natured,
intelligent woman who longs for the love and companionship of
someone who recognises her good qualities. She has to overcome the
humiliating experiences of her youth and eventually blossom into a
confident person who can take her place in society. Like Austen,
Hadlow has told a fascinating story that explores identity, love,
marriage, class and the role of women in the 19th century.
Helen Eddy
