Hale, Shannon. The Goose Girl. New York City: Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books, 2003, 2005. 383 pages. (Fantasy)Anidori- Kiladra Talianna is Crown Princess of Kildenree. On the day of her father’s memorial service, her mother, queen of Kildenree, announces that Ani’s brother is now Crown Prince of Kildenree. Confused and angry, Ani confronts her mother only to receive an unbelievable answer. Her mother has arranged for her marriage to a prince in a neighboring country, Bayern, to keep peace between the nations. Betrayed and ashamed, she agrees and, with a large guard, she sets off towards Bayern. On their trip, all is not as it has always seemed at the castle and Ani is forced to run for her life, leaving behind friends and enemies. Arriving in Bayern, she is forced to take a job tending to the King’s geese, as nobody knows who she is. As the winter months drag on, Ani finds herself realizing a sense of belonging she never felt in her own home. But nothing seems to go right for Ani as the enemy is hot on her tail. So, grabbing every witness she can, she heads to confront the king and her enemy.
Shannon Hale has done it again! This masterpiece is just one of the four books making up The Books of Bayern. This book was filled with secrets and was so gripping, it actually had me rooting for Ani and analyzing her decisions instead of just reading along. I love all of the characters, Ani especially. Instead of being a shallow, unreal character, she evolved into someone complex and real, so real that it almost seems as if she is really out there somewhere. It is a wonderful fantasy that can be placed with the best of them.
Reviewed By: DancingPenguin96
