Greenwitch - Susan Cooper
An atmospherically mystical tale.
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- Author:Susan Cooper
- # of pages: 131
- Publisher:Simon and Schuster BFYR
- Original Publication Date: 01/01/1973
- Genre: Fiction - Fantasy
- Paperback: $4.99
- Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: 9-12
- Read Aloud: 9+
- Read Alone: 10+
Parents need to know
Families can talk about how the children in this tale solve problems. What are some of the challenges they encounter, and how do they overcome them? What are some of the qualities they possess that help them solve problems?
Message
Social Behavior:
Consumerism:
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Violence
A dog is kidnapped, and there is a threat to kill it.
Sex
Language
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Amy Brotman
The document, which will provide the translation of the carvings on the grail, was tossed into the sea and is now protected by the Greenwitch. In the small village of Cornwall, only the women are allowed to attend a ritual to pay homage to the Greenwitch, and Jane is invited. Jane feels sad for the Greenwitch, and when it is her turn to make a customary wish, she wishes the Greenwitch could be happy. Thus, a bond is created between the two.
Is it any good?
The third book in the Dark is Rising Sequence, unites the Drew children (from Over Sea, Under Stone) with the immortal young Will Stanton from The Dark Is Rising, and the result is not always effective. Will's character comes from a dark world of magical power, while the Drew children are from a mystery/adventure story. Will's maturity and acceptance of his duties as an Old One can be interpreted as cockiness in comparison to the Drew children's lack of supernatural power. However, the kids have grown up since the first tale, especially in the case of Jane.
Jane's role is crucial in the acquisition of the manuscript. It is she who communicates with and understands the Greenwitch's secret and her anguish. Celtic folklore is woven through the story, and readers learn some Greek mythology in the realm of Tethys. Some new discoveries are made: We meet Captain Toms, the absent sea captain and the owner of Rufus from the first book. The children sense something different about Will and notice how he addresses Great-Uncle Merry as Merriman and not "sir." They even observe him speaking in an ancient language.
From the Book:
Nervously Jane followed. As she came close to the Greenwitch she felt again the unimaginable force it seemed to represent, but again the great loneliness too. Melancholy seemed to hover about it like a mist. She put out her hand to grasp a hawthorn bough, and paused. "Oh dear," she said impulsively, "I wish you could be happy."
Other choices
Other Books in This Series
Over Sea, Under Stone
The Dark Is Rising
The Grey King
Silver on the Tree
Books With Similar Themes
The Magic Circle by Donna Jo Napoli
Parents and kids say



