GIRL ON WITCHES' HILL

by Mildred Lawrence ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 21, 1963

...proves that realism may be used successfully as the foundation upon which to build a romance-- a romance which despite its lack of cloud 9 fluffy will most definitely interest the love-story set who get a starvation diet--as far as good stories go--in print. From the beginning, the author skillfully creates an atmosphere of rebellion from Stacey Tilden's viewpoint. Having been forced to leave action-filled Cape Canaveral and a quiet, intellectual beau, scientifically-inclined Stacey enters high school at remote Fox's Cove, resentful and bitter. Through the daily jaunts and quests of Oliver Rosanna, strange Judd Pettigrew and the ghostly presence of Angelica Spain, the change in Stacey-- which is realistically slow-- is deftly revealed; the character of Stacey has been depicted so carefully that the basis for her increased understanding of her contemporaries and her acceptance of Fox's Cove is obvious. Stacey does not wallow through one slushy romance after another; she is not utterly consumed by her interest in the boy she left behind. She gets over Barry only when she sees him more clearly; she has always liked Oliver (who has been a steady companion) and comes to appreciate him more. An airy mood of exuberance--seldom seen in this genre-- runs through the book like a strong current. The few teenagers who know each other well at Fox's Cove are distinctive yet real, intriguing yet not over-powering. A remarkable book, filled with fine detail and humorous dialogue. The author's best to date, even including Starry Answer. (1962, p. 475, J-135).

Pub Date: Aug. 21, 1963

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harcourt, Brace & World

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1963

Categories: FICTION