Flame-Colored Taffeta
by Rosemary Sutcliff

List Price: $4.95
Our Price: $0.01
You Save: $4.94 (100%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Category: Book
See more book details and other editions

Book Summary Information

Book Reviews of Flame-Colored Taffeta

Book Review: WHOEVER HE WAS, WHATEVER HE WAS, SHE WAS ON HIS SIDE
Summary: 3 Stars

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.

Teens Books

• Books > Subjects