From the Publisher
"Bunce blends multiple elements in her savory stew of genres–mystery, romance, work, and chicanery simmer in a rich broth of history infused with light touches of traditional beliefs and folk magic. The Rumpelstiltskin story progression is deftly integrated into a plot that enfolds and extends its implications regarding class and the value of skilled workmanship. In an author's note, Bunce readily admits where she has tweaked historical detail to align more favorably with folkloric belief, and her instincts prove right on target as she gives flesh to distinctively individual characters with almost archetypal resonance. Charlotte's complex loyalties to her family, the mill, and the townsfolk who depend upon it for their livelihood make her an estimable character indeed, well worth applauding in a tale that is as spooky and suspenseful as it is satisfying." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review
"An innovative interpretation of Rumpelstiltskin. . . . The pastoral microcosm of Shearing is classic fairy tale, but it gains traction in the gritty social and economic details of small-town life, and the sisters, subtly differentiated, are strong characters defined by fierce loyalty, pride, and determination that goes beyond simple feistiness. Similarly, the villains are rendered with nuance. The result is a fully realized dramatic conflict characterized by the folkloric magic of memory imprinted upon place; inherited legacies; and the power of recognition, recompense, and forgiveness." -- Horn Book
Children's Literature - Sharon Salluzzo
After the death of their father, Charlotte Miller and her sister inherit the family woolen mill, Stirwaters, which is the main employer in their small English countryside village. Strange events cause Charlotte to believe that Stirwaters is indeed cursed. When Jack Spinner appears one day and offers to spin gold thread, Charlotte agrees to his price. Eventually, when Jack requires the payment of Charlotte's first-born son, she undertakes to end the curse once and for all to save her son and the mill. It is very evident that actress and seasoned audiobook reader Parry spent a great deal of time preparing for this story. The distinctive voices she created for the character perfectly suits each personality, station in life, and carefully chosen name. Parry aptly varies the pace with the action of the story. The occasional humor in conversations between characters comes through very naturally. It is a nuance that could have been lost by a less seasoned reader. Although this is historical fiction set at the dawn of the industrial revolution, the fantasy and magical elements of this Rumpelstiltskin tale works beautifully with the romance and mystery of the story. All these elements come together seamlessly and, I dare say, logically within the storytelling. This unabridged audio book is comprised of 10 compact discs with a running time of 12 hours and 26 minutes. While a little slow at the beginning as Bunce sets the scene, the action picks up quickly. Listeners are rewarded with a well-written and well-read suspenseful tale. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
School Library Journal - Audio
Gr 7–10—After her father's death, care of Stirwaters wool mill falls to Charlotte and her younger sister, Rosie. Charlotte labors to keep the business afloat, but the mill is plagued by accidents, vandalism, and general bad luck. The arrival of their florid new guardian, Uncle Wheeler, only adds to Charlotte's worries. When they are blacklisted from the annual cloth exchange, in desperation Rosie summons a mysterious man named Jack Spinner who can turn straw into gold thread. Though the mill is solvent for the moment, the bad luck continues and Charlotte suspects that a curse is to blame. Meanwhile, she marries a young banker and becomes pregnant. When the mill is seized and put up for auction to repay Uncle Wheeler's massive gambling debts, Charlotte conjures Jack Spinner to buy back the mill, at great danger to her newborn son. Elizabeth C. Bunce's novel (Scholastic, 2008) is a spooky, multilayered reimagining of the Rumplestiltskin tale that is superbly suited to an audio production. The mood builds at an unhurried pace, and listeners can almost feel the cold mist off the river and hear the creaking of the mill wheel. Charlotte Parry impressively imbues her reading with a mix of resolve and trepidation as Charlotte unravels the dark mysteries of Stirwaters. Unlike some fairy tale retellings, such as Alex Flinn's Beastly (HarperTeen, 2007), this one preserves the lush historical setting. It will find an audience with fans of Nancy Werlin's suspenseful fantasies.—Amy Pickett, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA
