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| Image: HarperCollins Publishers |
Happy Tuesday TMS Readers! We've had a string of nice days here. I hope you've gotten outside for some fresh air and exercise before settling down with a great book. My YA reading this summer has skewed decidedly to high school, so this "Teen Tuesday" recommendation is for former students. I crosspost "The Daily Book Talk" to the Closter Library Facebook page as well as my blog, so former students have the opportunity to see my recommendations.
Teen Tuesday features Damsel by Elana K. Arnold. Arnold won a 2019 Printz Honor for this fierce, feminist fairy tale. One fairy tale motif (theme or pattern) is the rescue of the "damsel in distress." In Damsel, Prince Emory, upon the death of his father, the king, is tasked to go forth and rescue a damsel from the clutches of a dragon as a condition for becoming king. He then marries the damsel, who will produce an male heir destined to do the same, and so on. Emory names his damsel Ama, for she has no memories and ensconces her in the palace, where she is to learn the ways of the court. Ama is troubled by her amnesia, especially when she glimpses flashes of memory. She also has a will of her own, which surprises and dismays Emory, who has a cruel side and is intent on molding his prize to be obedient and docile.
Thoughtful and mature teen readers who are fans of fairy tales have much to ponder here. The pace is quick and intense as Ama gradually pushes against the role she is expected to place and discovers who she is and claims her identity.
Initially, I found the narrator's sing-songy voice a bit cloying and affected. I soon learned to ignore it and focus on the lovely language and startling imagery of the writing. Her character voices were varied and distinct. Her pacing remained steady even as events crescendoed.
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