Since one of my YA novels is set at the turn of the twentieth century, I really enjoy reading other books that deal with this era. In the past week, I've had the chance to read two books of this type.
I plowed through "Wildthorn" by Jane Eagland on the flight out to Portland last weekend. It was wonderful! The book comes from the Rainbow Booklist and deals elegantly with sexuality in a historical context: the desire of the protagonist for a relationship she can have in the open is poignant for modern readers. Louisa is locked up in an asylum, and the reasons behind her incarceration are chilling. I loved the way the plot of this book was layered, and I didn't see a lot of it coming.
In my quest to catch up on Newberry award and honor books, I read "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly this afternoon. Calpurnia is a spunky character, and the relationship that develops between her and her grandfather is charming. I really enjoyed reading this novel, even though it left me with that sickening sensation that I'll never write anything this delightful.
Anyone have any good books to suggest for me?
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