When Bonnie's parents depart Willoughby Chase for an ocean voyage, she and her orphan cousin Sylvia are left in the charge of new governess, Miss Slighcarp.
In a period of English History that never happened, when Good King James III is on the throne, and the whole country is ravaged by wolves which have migrated through the newly-opened Channel Tunnel. When orphans Bonnie and Sylvia fall into the hands of evil Miss Slighcarp, they need all their wits - and the help of Simon the goose-boy - to escape unscathed, for the governess is more cruel and merciless than the wolves that surround the great house of Willoughby Chase.
Filled with brilliantly-drawn Dickensian characters, it would make an excellent choice for strong preteen readers who like an old-fashioned story with a strong plot and good characterisation. This book often appears on lists of best-loved children's books.
Set in 1832, at a time in English history that never happened, when Good King James III was on the throne and the frozen North Country was full of wolves, a little girl called Bonnie was waiting at dusk for her orphan cousin Sylvia to come from London to keep her company, and for the arrival of her new guardian who is in charge when her parents go abroad.
The guardian Miss Slighcarp turns out to be as wicked as the wolves that roam outside. She shuts Bonnie in a cupboard, put some orphans inthe dungeons and dismisses all the kind servants. And then she sends Bonnie and Sylvia far away where they would never be found in order to steal their home, but she doesn't know how clever and resourceful the little girls are.
About the Author
Joan Aiken was born in Sussex in 1924. She was the daughter of the American poet, Conrad Aiken; her sister, Jane Aiken Hodge, is also a novelist. Before joining the 'family business' herself, Joan had a variety of jobs, including working for the BBC, the United Nations Information Centre and then as features editor for a short story magazine. Her first children's novel, The Kingdom of the Cave, was published in 1960.
Joan Aiken was decorated with an MBE for her services to children's books. She died in 2004.
Industry Reviews
"Joan Aiken is a marvel"
Philip Pullman
"She was a consummate story-teller, one that each generation discovers anew"
Amanda Craig The Times
"Dickensian in flavour ... rich in atmosphere and intrigue"
Julia Eccleshare Guardian
"A genuine small masterpiece"
Time
