Another Pushkin Press success, it's a joy to read another cracker of a book from this publisher, this time by the wonderful Susie Bower, author of last year's much applauded 'School for Nobodies'. Even better still, I'm on the blogtour for it here at whatiread!
Mim grew up surrounded by secrets. On the day she was born, her mother died and a strange curse was cast on her family. Ever since, she’s been isolated in a dismal castle behind high walls, forbidden from venturing to the Outside.
But Mim has never been able to stop asking questions. And when her father hires a bogus governess, Madame Marionette – who brings along an entourage of thugs and a secret, caged ‘pet’ – Mim sets her enquiring mind to work on unravelling the mysteries all around her.
Longing for a taste of freedom, she is willing to break all the rules to set out on an epic quest for the truth. But will it be enough to bring happiness back to the lonely castle?
This book grabbed me right from the off...a princess told not to do things who then (in classic traditional tale style) breaks the rules; a library with forbidden books ( the glowing 'The Three Impossibles' of the title); a scary governess and loyal friends...all the ingredients of a classic magical mystery, and written in a fast-paced, page-turning style.
I loved the voice of 'Mim', the feisty, determined princess battling the rules imposed on her and with undeterred curiosity about all she's not allowed to know about. Another powerful female lead character, she really is a great main character in this story, and the first person perspective it's written in really puts the reader in the castle and on the spot alongside her.
Themes of loss, determination, and standing up for yourself and what's right are all prevalent in this future classic...the traditional tale of breaking the curse and bringing back happiness given a twist through Mim's adventures, but with the recognisable evil/wicked witch in the shape of Madame Marionette, loyal sidekicks in Samuel Smith and Miranda, and various monstrous, mythical and mysterious creatures to avoid as she sets out on her quest to seek the truth about 'The Day Of The Catastrophic Curse'.
A great KS2 read, and I look forward to more from Susie Bower, hopefully soon!
Find out more about Pushkin Press and the book here:
Listen to author, Susie Bower, talking to Nikki Gamble on the brilliant 'Reading Corner' podcast here:
Follow Susie on Twitter as @susienottbower
Thanks to Poppy, Sarah Odedina and Pushkin for the copy to review, and for asking me to be on the blogtour. See what others have to say at the 'stops' shown below.
Review by Rich Simpson (@richreadalot) June 2021