At the beginning of this story, I was very impressed with the author's descriptive and literary style. I think she's a gifted author, and I intend to read more from her. Having said that, as I got into this story I thought, "This must not be her best book." I was intrigued by the characters and the setting of the story, but felt like the story really died away in the middle of the book- when they first arrive at Heron Hall. But when Uncle Peregrine begins his story, our story picks up again and kept me intrigued until the end. Cecily, her mother and brother leave London to go to stay with her uncle in the North of England just before the start of the Blitz, and they take in an evacuee, May. The two girls explore the surrounding countryside and find the ruins of Snow Castle, where they meet two boys dressed in curiously old-fashioned clothing. What a strange book. It has a really old-fashioned description heavy style - some of the writing is wonderfully evocative, though much of it feels over-written. But I don't recall reading another book in which the author appears to not only dislike her protagonist, the hapless Cecily, but actively feels contempt for her - it makes for a very uncomfortable read. May isn't much more sympathetic as she appears to be aloof and rather snooty towards Cecily. The only character I warmed to was Jeremy, Cecily's older brother, and his intense frustration at not being old enough to participate in the war effort is really well conveyed. The story of Richard III (though unnamed) is woven in and is presented as 'true', though seems to follow the Shakespearean version somewhat more than the revisionist one - I think an author's note would have been helpful here.I can't think of many kids who would enjoy this and I can't imagine myself recommending it to any.
What do You think about Les Enfants Du Roi (2013)?
I liked it, it built up to a good ending and had some history too.
—anna
Consummate storytelling. Sublime structure. Quiet and lyrical.
—shailu
This was an enchanting story with exquisite writing.
—Sam
Possibility for girls' summer book club.
—amandeerp
