A Drowned Maiden's Hair: A Melodrama
by Laura Amy Schlitz
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Book Summary Information
Author: Laura Amy SchlitzEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-04-08
ISBN: 0763638129
Number of pages: 400
Publisher: Candlewick
Book Reviews of A Drowned Maiden's Hair: A Melodrama
Book Review: Despite a predictable plot, this is a fast, enjoyable book filled with surprisingly tender emotion. Recommended
Summary: 4 Stars
Adopted from an orphanage by the three elderly Hawthorne sisters, Maud believes that all of her dreams have come true. But when the sisters that Maud must remain hidden in the house and reveal that they have a use for her, Maud discovers that she has not quite found the perfect family that she was looking for. A Drowned Maiden's Hair is swift but not simple: the easy prose and mysterious plot draw the reader in, but it's thorny questions of honesty and searches for love that keep him thinking and feeling throughout the book. With transparent infodumps and a too-perfect resolution, the book isn't perfect--but it's addictive, enjoyable, and surprisingly tender. I recommend it.
I devoured A Drowned Maiden's Hair in one afternoon of quiet, contented reading. Schiltz's voice is unremarkable but incredibly easy to read, letting the read slip straight into the heart of the story. The plot begins as a mystery to hook the reader; once that mystery is revealed, it tends towards predictable--but spirited, bright Maud is beyond prediction, and her inner struggles are the true heart of the book. The conflict between her suspicions and her desire for love never tends towards maudlin; instead, it is believable and character-driven, bringing nuance to the morality-tale aspects and making Maud both empathetic and empowering.
The book is dragged down a bit by that predictable plot, and also by transparent infodumps (where characters relay their entire backstory) and by a too-swift, too-simple resolution. But these weaknesses are never prominent enough to become irritating, and Maud and some of the better supporting characters are strong enough to support the book despite them. A Drowned Maiden's Hair is a quick and enjoyable read filled unexpected but lovely emotion. Gently heartbreaking, empowering, and always clever, Maud and her personal journeys are not the most advanced, but they are still tender and true. Though not a book I need to read again, A Drowned Maiden's Hair is truly enjoyable--I recommend it.
Summary of A Drowned Maiden's Hair: A Melodrama
"People throw the word 'classic' about a lot, but A DROWNED MAIDEN'S HAIR genuinely deserves to become one." ? WALL STREET JOURNALMaud Flynn is known at the orphanage for her impertinence. So when the charming Miss Hyacinth chooses her to take home, the girl is pleased but baffled, until it becomes clear that she?s needed to help stage elaborate séances for bereaved patrons. As Maud is drawn deeper into the deception, playing her role as a "secret child," she is torn between her need to please and her growing conscience ?- until a shocking betrayal shows just how heartless her so-called guardians are. Filled with fascinating details of turn-of-the-century spiritualism and page-turning suspense, this lively novel features a feisty heroine whom readers will not soon forget.
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