An Ash-blonde Witch

Sophie Margaret Oakroyd timetravels from a twenty-second century technological society - where emotions are relegated to the status of biological functions - to the medieval village of Urstwile. She falls in love with Simon, a local farmer and so makes an enemy of Prudence, the tax-collector's daughter. Dorcas, the witch who is not really what she seems, provides an unlikely ally, drawn to Sophie by the 'miracles' she performs with aspirin and hypnosis. This comic novel is wryly told, full of deadpan humour and should stimulate the reader to consider the nature of romance and the durability of human emotion, even in the face of a high-powered technological age. The language is lighthearted and accessible but the sophistication and humour of the book remove it firmly from any shadow of condescension to the teenage reader. 3rd, 4th and 5th year girls will be amused, entertained and probably enlightened by this book; make it available in small sets or book boxes and then lead on with Alcock, Wynne Jones and Mahy.