THE TIGER IN THE WELL

by Philip Pullman ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 1990

Readers of the series begun with The Ruby in the Smoke (1987) and The Shadow in the North (1988) will know that the idyllic scene that opens this sequel--feisty Sally, content among her friends with her daughter Harriet, fathered by the still-mourned Frederick--won't last, as indeed it doesn't. Suddenly, a stranger claiming to be Sally's husband demands custody of Harriet, and (with the help of Victorian law, which assigned all property to the husband) seizes her home and all her assets. Sally's flight from the authorities parallels the perils encountered by Jewish immigrants, preyed upon by the villains of London's underworld. As the overlapping elements of these two plots finally come together, Sally unearths the sources of her present troubles and finds the means (a newly awakened social conscience plus a worthy man) to a more solid future happiness. With its several themes and snarl of politics, this is almost overlong, but readers, like Sally, will be ""enlightened"" with revelations that reverberate beyond the final page. A skillfully plotted, entertaining chase.

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1990

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 407

Publisher: Knopf

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1990

Categories: CHILDREN'S