WHOEVER HE WAS--WHATEVER HE WAS--SHE WAS ON HIS SIDE!Twelve-year-old Damaris is wise for her years, since she has been raised along the southern English coast where smugglers make frequent runs. She knows not to ask certain questions which will embarrass her father, when she can use her eyes and ears to interpret the activities of the Fair Traders (as they are called). Her best friend in her childhood adventures is Peter, the vicar's son, a loyal and eager comrade. They even have a private playhouse, a ramshackle lost cottage half falling in, which she names "Jouous Gard" after Sir Lancelot's castle. One day after a nocturnal run, she discovers a young stranger lying near their cottage, badly wounded and barely conscious. Mentally claiming him as her own and adopting his cause--whatever it might be--Damaris enlists Peter's aid to carry him into their hideout, to sneak food and provide company. They realize that they need adult medical skill to remove the bullet from "the Smuggler's" knee, so Damaris turns to the Wise Woman (polite name for an old woman wiih knowledge of herbs and often darker matters). Genty offers her services and her home to help this unknown young man, whom even in his delirium Daramris considers romantic. This is one adventure she will not share with her family. The only name he gives is Tom Wildgoose, but what is he carrying so closely guarded in an oilskin bag around his neck? Could he really be a smuggler or is he part of the cargo? Whose side is he on: King George, France or Scotland? None of that matters to Damaris, who risks a great deal to save him. The title refers to her girlhood wish for a scarlet petticoat like the one the gypsy girl wore when she danced for the community last season. A flaming piece of material frippery which she does Not need, which would have shocked her father and aunt. But few adults understand a girl's dream of freedom and joy of living, which such a petticoat represents for her. This is a light novel of adventure and mild intrigue, which will appeal to elementary children--especially the parts about deceiving parents in order to achieve a noble goal. Not to mention risking her soul by getting involved in the Black Arts. Was she right to place her trust in a total stranger who could prove a traitor to her country or a threat to her body? Was helping him worth the real dangers she willingly undertook on his behalf? Twentieth Century Children's writers states: "In Rosemary Sutcliff's hands, the children's historical novel has gained passion, insight and depth." A truly enjoyable read. (August 17, 2011. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
My first foray into the works of one of Megan Whalen Turner's favorite authors, Rosemary Sutcliff, and what can I say, girlfriend can tell a story. Flame-Colored Taffeta is about a 12 year-old girl in England in the late 1700s who finds a mysterious young man wounded in the nearby wood. Is he part of the smuggling ring running rampant in those parts or is he something worse and what should Damaris do about it? The telling is simple and concise but rich in historical detail and characterization. A great one to read aloud to children.
Do You like book Flame-Colored Taffeta (1989)?
Cover Blurb: This is a cover that could do with a makeover. It’s not bad, but it is a tired cover, nothing terribly exciting about it, though it does say “historical fiction right here!”What I Liked: Damaris is an adventurous and likable protagonist. It’s true that she doesn’t actually do all that much in the story, but it isn’t because she’s useless; there just isn’t all that much that happens. It’s a novella, remember. Tom’s humor is surprisingly funny; I wasn’t entirely expecting it, and I liked it. And of course Snowball, Damaris’s fat little pony, was adorable.What I Disliked: Only the fact that it wasn’t longer. So much more could have happened, and I wish more had.Believability: This Author does an amazing amount of research for her stories; she’s known for it. And she always has a wonderfully detailed Author’s Note for all of her stories that explains what isn’t true or if she has changed the locations of things (which she doesn’t do often). Though only a novella, I got the feeling that she gave the historical aspects of this story as much attention as her others.Writing Style: Some reviewers (and no, I am not pointing fingers at anyone in particular) complained that Readers would have difficulty getting past all of the long sentences and apostrophes and dashes. They make it sound like the book is difficult to get through. It isn’t. It took me longer to read than it should have because I was distracted that week, but on a normal week it would have only taken me half a day. There is nothing wrong with Sutcliff’s writing style - as usual. I never have anything to complain about with her writing. The sentences are no longer than usual.Content: None.Conclusion: My biggest complaint is, definitely, that the story wasn’t longer. It felt like it had so much more that could have happened - and did happen, but in the background. This could have easily gone from a novella to a full-fledged novel. That is my only sorrow. For a novella, the end was satisfying enough, but still - more could have happened.Recommended Audience: It is appropriate for all ages, both guys and girls would like it, and historical fiction fans will enjoy it.
—Mara
