 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Folk Keeper
- By Franny Billingsley
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Lyrical and exciting novel with strong heroine.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the protagonist is deceptive and vengeful, but proves to be a strong and admirable heroine.
What's the story?
When orphan Corinna is sent to the Rhysbridge Foundling Home, she disguises herself as a boy, Corin, and takes on the job of Folk Keeper. In the vaguely medieval world of the story, the Folk are mysterious underground creatures whose anger must be kept in check. This Folk Keepers do this by providing them with food and, when necessary, absorbing their anger and cruelty.
But then she is sent to be Keeper at Marblehaugh Park, on the edge of the sea, where the Folk are stronger, mysteries abound, and Corinna's true heritage and latent powers begin to surface. As her blossoming womanhood becomes harder to hide, she finds her life threatened by Sir Edward, master of the Hall, and falls in love with Finian, his cousin.
Is it any good?
This lyrical and exciting second novel by Franny Billingsley has something for everyone: breathtaking adventure, romance, fantasy, revenge, humor, mystery, folklore, and a tough-minded, self-reliant heroine. Corinna tells her own story in journal format, with entries dated by numerous saints' days. Her voice is wickedly clear, though she herself is often confused, the voice of one who was powerless, and who has learned to find and take power wherever she can.
Though she lies and engages in petty and spiteful revenge on all who trouble her, she is an appealing heroine nonetheless, for her journal reveals her uncertainty, and the reasons for her behavior, as well as the sacrifices she willingly makes to ensure that none can take advantage of her. And as she begins to discover who and what she really is, young readers are both excited and satisfied.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about power. Why does Corinna keep so many secrets? Why can't women be Folk Keepers? Does your view of Corinna change over the course of the book? If so, how?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
The Folk Keeper
The poetic and magical story of a teen girl in Victorian England
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
This was pretty good. I liked the story and the legends. But I read it a while ago, and I kind of forget a lot of it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
OK
This book is confusing at the starts. Creates a few characters out of nowhere. Has parts about getting deadly revenge, and beasts attacking humans.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Author: | Franny Billingsley |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | Simon & Schuster |
| Publication date: | December 30, 2003 |
| Number of pages: | 162 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.00 |
| Paperback price: | $4.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 10 - 14 |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
