I loved this book, whilst pitched at the YA market it's definitely one of those for adults too. Magical realism is one of my favourite genres so I was probably always going to enthuse, but I really feel Laura Ruby's done a great job here. I won't be encouraging my 11 year old to read it yet though. I think the themes may be a little over his head, and I want this book to have an impact on him, so I'll save it for when he's a little older. I am definitely not going to tell you the story as it will spoil it entirely, as the way the story unfolds is part of its charm. Whilst containing the elusive quality of a fairytale, it also deals with the terrible dilemmas faced by modern teenagers. To conform to sexist patriarchal expectations or not? To take things at face value, or look beneath the surface?
The trauma of being kidnapped is dealt with sensitively and Laura Ruby has created a strong heroine in Roza. The male protagonist Finn is also well-rounded and empathetic. I also adore that the author's love for the natural world oozes off the page, her writing is so evocative, I felt the sway of the corn and the buzz of the bees. If any of you have older teenagers, thrust a copy of this under their nose. They won't end up complaining.
To find out more about Laura's books, visit her homepage here: