Ransomwood / Sherryl Jordan

Ransomwood is almost a fairy tale, but not quite. Harry, Gwenifer and Dorit are all characters you come to know and care about, and this book is shocking, exciting, sad and satisfying by turns. It takes place in a society where women are treated appallingly, where those who don't seem to be as clever as 'normal' people are the scapegoats for all that goes wrong and where superstition and cruelty are the norm. And yet, this book also contains a gentle love story which is very well worked out.

Who would enjoy this?  A New Zealand author, and a story that is exciting, dramatic and romantic in turn makes this a terrific book to lose yourself in.

Reviewed by Charlotte