Review Detail

Aissa is the first-born daughter of the Lady of an island, and as such she should be raised in a life of privilege and learning--destined to be the Lady when Aissa's mother is too old to do the duties that come with the title. But Aissa is born with extra thumbs, and the Lady determines that the goddess won't want an imperfect person serving as the Lady, and so Aissa is given to one of the wise women of the island so that she can throw her off a cliff. Kelya, the wise woman, can't bring herself to kill the infant, and she takes Aissa to another family that has recently lost a child.

Thus begins a story steeped in pain and beauty as Aissa's path leads her to lose her home, her name, and her voice, but she never loses her wits and her heart.

Part fantasy, part fairy tale, and part myth, DRAGONFLY SONG is completely gorgeous. Wendy Orr, the author, does a fantastic job drawing Aissa's world and the characters in it. The novel is written in both prose and free verse, and the poetry segments add depth and urgency to pivotal moments in the story. Aissa is a heroine to be admired. As a young child living with the family that takes her in, she learns to love. When life leads her to be a servant with no name, she learns to survive. When she finds a place with the wise women of the island, she learns the peace that comes with security. When she's chosen to be the island's tribute to the raiders who will take her to dance with their bulls, she learns what it is to have friends and to face death. Each segment of her life is integral to making her a Lady who will serve the goddess--and the island's people--well.

Aissa is wonderfully resilient, and although my heart broke for her constantly as I read, I never doubted that this fierce, smart, loving girl would triumph despite the many forces working against her.

I cannot recommend DRAGONFLY SONG enough. I was sad to turn the final page and leave Aissa behind, but I suspect she'll stay with me for a long while.

My thanks to YA Books Central and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.