I would definitely consider this book extremely well written, a fine piece of literature that does not limit itself to the target age group. There were several good utilizations of metaphor/simile that made reappearances to bring back full circle the ideas they were enhancing. The imagery in the book was beautiful, but also not in excess. The experience can be shared with the young voice of the narrator, or enhanced for an older reader who enjoys delving deeper into the story and strategy that went on in the discussions of war. Just as Marjorie may have been confused by much of what she heard, so may a younger reader. I found her character to be very well written and compelling in this book.Īlthough geared towards middle school aged readers and narrated by an 11 year old, the dialogue in the book was not "watered down" for the sake of younger readers. She displayed boldness and courage both when confronting her elders about wanting to be included, brought along, allowed to help with this or that, and when facing her enemy, English King Edward. Marjorie herself was also a strong female lead. Isabel showed physical strength, she was the warrior type that took control and was ready to enter the fray of war itself.
Elizabeth showed intellectual strength, holding her own and contributing valuable insight during war planning meetings and talks with her husband the king, exhibiting a cool and collected manner even when confronting difficulties or enemies. I found both characters to be fine examples of strong female characters, but each in a different way. In the pre-cage narrative we meet two major female characters: Marjorie's stepmother, now Queen Elizabeth, and Isabel, Countess of Buchan. This enabled the story to give us both the historical background information and war strategy that was discussed amongst the Scottish characters, and the struggle and tormenters Marjorie faced as she was imprisoned in England. The story is split between Marjorie's time in the cage as a prisoner and the time before she was imprisoned that she spent leading up to the cage.
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