The Folk Keeper
Lyrical and exciting novel with strong heroine.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
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.
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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 novel 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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Book Details
- Author: Franny Billingsley
- Genre: Fantasy
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster
- Publication date: December 30, 2003
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 14
- Number of pages: 162
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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