Review: Great Introduction to Steampunk and Something I'll Share with My Children
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 15, 2012
This adventure story has something for everyone - an orphaned girl tamed by a mysterious governess and partnered with two unlikely companions Simon and Neil on an epic odyssey, her guardians the Marchpanes who have less than charitable motives, an exotic and magical island nation, and a secret factory that links these worlds and characters together. It begins with the ominous sound of the train.Some of my favorite childhood adventure tales, like Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn, were only missing one thing - a heroine. We have that in Miriam, who holds her own with the boys in the story, as does the courageous Ms. Postulate. This is a story I look forward to sharing with my children. In addition to a great story, the larger themes dealing with oppression, exploitation, greed, and abuse of a powerful substance that could blow laudanum (hey, it was the Victorian poison of choice) off the map can serve as a teaching tool.Plus, my daughter, the budding writer, will adore Miriam and her stories.I'd also like to ask Ms. Deluca to let me know when a direct flight to Lampala opens. The food sounds divine!Thanks for the great read!