Juniper
Grade 5 Up-- A rich, deeply colored novel of a young girl's coming of age. Ninnoc is the indulged only child of King Mark of Cornwall as Christianity is beginning to overcome the ancient Celtic religion of the Mother Goddess. She has abilities as a healer and the ambition to rule her father's small kingdom. She is sent to her unusual and unappealing godmother, who teaches her to become a doran , a sort of wise woman or white witch. Euny is no fairy godmother--her lessons are hard, slow, and obscure. Ninnoc returns home to find her father's kingdom under her evil aunt Meroot's enchantment. She then realizes that she must use her new powers to save both herself and her cousin Gamal, the gentle musician whom Meroot is forcing to become a warrior knight. Furlong's story, the prequel to Wise Child (Knopf, 1987), is neatly constructed, with several interesting parallels embellishing the story line. Background details are vivid and smoothly incorporated. The feminist perspective is clear but not obtrusive; characters of both sexes are well drawn and balanced as to appeal and interest. The pace is sure and steady with light touches of humor. The action is quite believable given the beliefs of the time, and our own growing knowledge of psychology, herbalism, and pre-Christian religions. Historical fantasy of the calibre of Bradley's Mists of Avalon (Knopf, 1982), and just as satisfying. --Barbara Hutcheson, Greater Victoria Public Library, B.C., CanadaCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.