Review:
At the house of the magician by Mary Hooper
Bloomsbury 2007 ISBN 9780747588863
(Age 12+) A fascinating historical novel from
Mary Hooper gives insight into
Elizabeth times. Afraid of her drunken father, Lucy runs away from home
to escape his beatings. On her journey to London to find work she
rescues a young girl from a muddy river, and as a reward she is taken
on as maid in their father's house. Dr Dee is court magician and
consultant to Elizabeth 1 and Lucy is fascinated by the mysterious
happenings in the house and longs to work for the Queen.
Hooper's characters are well developed and memorable with an
interesting mix of fictional and real peoples. Lucy is a feisty heroine
whose curiosity leads her into intrigue and danger. Tomas, the Court
jester, adds spice to the tale, and the strangeness of Dr Dee and his
beliefs are quite compelling.
Hooper has painted a convincing picture of Tudor England, giving
details about the markets, clothing, food and the life of ordinary
people as well as those connected to the court. There is even a recipe
for making lavender wands at the end of the book as well as a glossary
to help the reader with difficult words.
Readers with a taste for history and magic will enjoy this memorable
tale. A sequel is to follow.
Pat Pledger
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Consulting, 2007