Reach for this book when your teenager feels the crushing weight of being the 'perfect' child or is struggling with the guilt of having more opportunities than their siblings. It is a sophisticated retelling of the Brothers Grimm tale The Seven Ravens, told through multiple perspectives in haunting verse. The story explores a family fractured by a father's impulsive curse that turns his seven sons into ravens, leaving the youngest daughter to carry the burden of 'saving' them. It navigates themes of identity, the damage caused by parental expectations, and the complex love between siblings. While based on a fairy tale, the emotional landscape is grounded in the reality of adolescent self-discovery and the courage required to define oneself apart from family history. It is an ideal choice for readers aged 12 and up who appreciate lyrical writing and deep emotional inquiry.
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Sign in to write a reviewA perilous journey involving a glass mountain and symbolic self-sacrifice.
The father's impulsive actions and the mother's complicity in the secret.
The book deals with parental neglect and emotional volatility. The father's curse is a metaphorical representation of how parental anger can 'dehumanize' children. The approach is secular and mythical. The resolution is realistic and bittersweet: the brothers return, but they are forever changed by their experience, emphasizing that trauma leaves a mark.
A thoughtful 14-year-old who feels like they are living in the shadow of their family's past or a student who enjoys 'wicked' style retellings that give voice to the marginalized characters in a story.
Read the original Grimm tale first to understand the subversions. The verse is accessible, but the metaphors for parental 'erasure' of children are sharp and may provoke deep questions about the father's character. A parent might reach for this after hearing their child express 'survivor's guilt' regarding a sibling's struggle, or when a child feels they must be perfect to compensate for family drama.
Younger teens will focus on the quest and the magic of the transformation. Older teens will resonate with the themes of breaking generational cycles and the burden of being the 'favorite.'
Unlike many retellings that focus solely on the hero's journey, Elliott uses different poetic forms for different characters, making the internal psychology of the 'lost' brothers just as vital as the sister's quest.
This verse novel reimagines the Grimm fairy tale from the perspective of Robins (the daughter), the seven brothers, and the parents. When the seventh son is born sickly, the father’s frustration leads to a curse that transforms his sons into ravens. Robins grows up as the 'golden child,' unaware of her brothers until she discovers the truth and embarks on a quest to undo the family's shame.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.