THE SILVER CROWN. By Robert O’Brien. Barn Owl pound;5.99
This modern fairy tale has an atmosphere that’s difficult to convey in a few words. It’s spare, surreal, scary, funny and American. There’s something of James Thurber in it and E B White: a deadpan acceptance of the magical, a laconic understatedness. The adventures in a hostile landscape of Ellen with her folding silver crown are gripping.
ADELE GERAS
