Egg & Spoon

I am ashamed to say that, although I have three books by Gregory Maguire, I have not read any of them (yet) and so was excited to be faced with a 'new' author! Intrigued by the title and the details on the cover, I was not disappointed as I started the book. Packed full of action, Egg and Spoon is an amazing novel with many layers to the plot and the characters. It is a demanding read, but one that I think was worth the effort. Set in Tsarist Russia, the story contrasts the lives of Elena (poor country girl) and Ekaterina (rich city girl) in a 'Prince and the Pauper' style swap which leads them both on personal quests in which they learn a lot about themselves and others. The story is full of Russian folklore and legend which, although possibly unfamiliar to many readers, makes the story rich and colourful. The appearance of Baba Yaga and her chicken legged house adds much humour - and food for thought - to the book as a whole. More suited to older readers who enjoy the challenges of a fully developed plot, rich language and imagery, this is a unique read! 496 pages / Ages 14+ / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher

Suggested Reading Age 11+