Summary: A coming of age story in 16th century London, Coriander beings her story happily, the wealthy daughter of loving parents. But after her mother dies, she sees strange goings-on, strangest of all, her father's marriage to a mean Puritanical mother. When her father is arrested in association with Oliver Cromwell, her step-mother takes in a horrible priest, who rules the family with an iron fist. When Coriander rebels against them, he locks her in a trunk for three years. But instead of dying, Coriander learns of another fairy world where her mother had been a princess and her wicked aunt is trying to seize control. Coriander learns to take control in both her London world and in the fairy world.
Assessment: This is another wonderful book for girls. It is quiet in story, but extremely rich in details. History buffs will savor the flavors of the details of the politics and lifestyles of the day, as well the touch of romance in the fairy world. The novel is beautifully written, well-plotted, and just a delight to read.
