The Restless Girls: A dazzling, feminist fairytale from the bestselling author of The Miniaturist

The Restless Girls is a stunning re-imagining of the classic fairy tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses, with a theme of resilient and resourceful young women taking charge of their own destinies. In the kingdom of Kalia, the 12 princesses follow the example of their bold and beautiful mother, developing their interests and ambitions. Each has a special talent, from music to maths and science. When Queen Laurelia dies in a motor car accident, her daughters are bereft and their father the king is overcome with grief. The palace is shrouded in black hangings and all the girls' activities are stopped, one by one. He vows to keep them safe at all costs. The price of safety means the cessation of their lessons, the removal of their possessions, and eventually, their freedom. Locked into a room containing only twelve beds and a portrait of their mother, allowed out only for an hour a day, the girls are driven close to despair. But Frida, the eldest, is determined that this will not be their fate. The discovery of a secret staircase and a magical world where they can dance the night away begins their journey back to freedom. During this they must use all their skills and ingenuity, led by Frida's courage and imagination. Glowing, jewel-toned illustrations accompany a lyrical text, recommended for restless girls of all ages 160 pages / Ages 7+ / Reviewed by Jayne Gould, school librarian.

Suggested Reading Age 7+