Bloomsbury www.bloomsbury.com ISBN 9781526603043 £14.99
This book was a delight from start to finish. Jessie Burton’s feminist re-presentation of the classic fairy tale, The Twelve Dancing Princesses, was, Burton claims, a joy to write and I wholeheartedly respond that it was, too, a joy to read.
Burton writes beautifully, and with carefully chosen language she brings each of the feisty princesses alive; a botanist; an artist; a ‘vet’; an astronomer… the list goes on, reinforcing along the way that there really is a different way for a girl than marrying the fairy tale prince. The princesses, led by awesome oldest sister, Frida, each employ their imagination to cope with life locked up in a room without windows following the fatal car crash of their mother, Queen Laurelia. In true ‘fairy tale’ tradition, the imprisoned princesses find a hidden door behind a life-sized portrait of their mother, (in full motoring gear), and, behind the door, a magical kingdom laced with challenges and delights awaits. I was truly enthralled as I read but am not about to deliver spoilers here!
The book is further enhanced by Angela Barrett’s intricate and sensitive illustrations that help the text to form images in the mind rather than overpowering the words on the page. The Restless Girls is released for publication at the end of September; I recommend that you order your copy now.
Laura Manison Shore