Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale
Winner of the 2007 Cybils Award for Science Fiction/Fantasy!
Personally, I think Emily's review sums it up quite nicely, but, as with all of Shannon Hales novels, I absolutely loved Book of a Thousand Days.
The novel, written in the form of a diary, begins as Dashti and her mistress are being locked away in a tower for one thousand days. Dashti's mistress, Lady Saren, has refused to marry her suitor, for reasons that she is unable to explain, and is therefore imprisoned. As a lady's maid, Dashti's role is to care for her mistress, but she soon finds herself fighting for their survival. Dashti, like Hale's earlier heroines, is strong and feisty and resourceful, and is just the type of heroine to inspire today's teen girls*.
Like all of Hale's novels, the writing is lyrical and wonderful, but at the same time, completely convincing as a diary. And, the best part is, (to quote Justine Larbalestier), that "At the same time they manage to be about class and power and the battle of the sexes, which I think some readers of hers manage to miss. I’m trying to figure out if that’s a good or a bad thing." I believe that this must be a good thing, as even the readers who miss these issues may still pick up on them subconsciously, or, you know, absorb them through osmosis.
And, after you finish reading Book of a Thousand Days, be sure check out Shannon and Dean Hale's adorable story of their first kiss in First Kiss (Then Tell).
Other Reviews:
*Every time I read one of Shannon Hale's novels, I find myself wanting to buy a copy to save for any future daughters I might have in the far, far future.
3 comments:
I LOVE THIS BOOK! :)
I really like your header, btw.
Me too! I can't wait for Rapunzel's Revenge!
And thanks, it's the town of Segovia, in Spain (taken from the top of a castle). I studied in Spain for a summer, and this was one of our day trips!
p.s. sorry to take so long to reply to your comment... I really thought I had already responded!
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