Review: The Castle Corona

The Book: The Castle Corona by Sharon Creech

Publisher's Age Range: 9-12

Age of Main Character(s): Ranges from childhood to old age

Publisher's Description: Long ago and far away . . .

There was a castle. But not just any castle. This was a castle that glittered and sparkled and rose majestically above the banks of the winding Winono River: the Castle Corona.

And in this castle lived a family. But not just any family. This was the family of King Guido: rich and royal and . . . spoiled. And King Guido was so spoiled that neither jewels nor gold nor splendid finery could please him, for what he longed for most was . . . a nap and a gown that didn't itch.

Far below this grand, glittering castle lived two peasants. But not just any peasants. These peasants, though poor and pitiful, were plucky and proud. And in possession of a stolen pouch. But not just any pouch. A pouch whose very contents had the power to unlock secrets and transform lives . . .

And oh, there is an author. But not just any author. Sharon Creech is a Newbery Medal-winning author whose tantalizing tale will not only dazzle and delight but also entertain and excite.

My Thoughts: I have to confess to a certain ambivalence about this book. I really wanted to love it. The first page of each chapter is sumptuously illustrated, and the book has heft. It feels significant in your hands. The narrative has a strong fairy tale feel to it; it's full of mysterious orphans and unhappy princesses and royal proclamations. I loved that stories and the wisdom of elders played such a central role in the plot.

And yet...

I never made an emotional connection to any of the rather large cast of characters. Everyone seemed to wander blindly through the castle as things happened to them. None of the main characters did anything to resolve their situation. When enough things had happened to them, the story stopped. The plot also depended on characters not communicating. I found myself spending a great deal of time wishing everyone would sit down in the throne room and share their secrets, so they could get on with the happily-ever-aftering.

I can see this book appealing to readers who enjoy quiet, introspective stories with fairy tale elements. It's not a book for anyone who wants lots of action.

Content Alerts: Very few. The two orphan characters begin the story living a hard life with a master who uses them as free labor, and when they are summoned to the castle they are afraid they will be jailed for theft because of a bag they found.

Inroads: Written by Newbery-medalist Sharon Creech, author of Walk Two Moons. The Wanderer, Chasing Redbird, and other books. Fairy tale elements, fantasy setting. The font is big, so it's a quick 320 page read, nice for that group who want to read "big books" like Inkheart but aren't quite ready for them.

All amazon links in this post are affiliate links, and may result in me receiving a small commission (with no additional cost to you).

Comments

[Missy]

Thanks for the review! What does that mean- affiliate links?

[Easter]

I'm a member of the amazon affiliates program, which means that if you click on the amazon link in the review and then buy the book, I get a little commission on the sale. No one ever clicks the links, and I put them in more for your convenience than out of some wish to make big bucks, but the FCC recently put a policy in place that bloggers are required to reveal any income they get from links, so I put that little sentence in.

[missy]

Ah, got it. Thanks.