The Wolves of Willoughby Chase (Wolves Chronicles): 1 (Wolves Chronicles Series) - Softcover

Joan Aiken

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0440496039 ISBN 13: 9780440496038

Publisher: Random House Inc, 2012

Synopsis

Wicked wolves and a grim governess threaten Bonnie and her cousin Sylvia when Bonnie's parents leave Willoughby Chase for a sea voyage. Left in the care of the cruel Miss Slighcarp, the girls can hardly believe what is happening to their once happy home. The servants are dismissed, the furniture is sold, and Bonnie and Sylvia are sent to a prison-like orphan school. It seems as if the endless hours of drudgery will never cease.

With the help of Simon the gooseboy and his flock, they escape. But how will they ever get Willoughby Chase free from the clutches of the evil Miss Slighcarp?

This new edition features an introduction by Aiken's daughter, Lizza, providing insight into the struggles Aiken—much like her heroines—had to endure before finally finishing this classic story a decade after she started writing it.

About this title

Review:

It's 19th-century England during the reign of King James II, but it's not the England we know from the history books. This country is overrun with wolves that roam the forests, providing the perfect setting for a witty and dramatic story spanning the whole country, from the frozen North to the city of London, and peopled with all manner of evil governesses and ancient aunts.

Filled with brilliantly-drawn Dickensian characters, it would make an excellent choice for strong preteen readers who like an old-fashioned story with a strong plot and good characterisation. This book often appears on lists of best-loved children's books. (Ages 10 to 12) EN

Review:

"A masterpiece...a copybook lesson in those virtues that a classic children's book must possess."--Time.

About this edition

• Publisher: Random House Inc
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0440496039
• ISBN 13: 9780440496038
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192