For the child grappling with who they truly are or struggling to belong, this book explores a young woman's journey to embrace her unique identity and face ancient fears.
A parent might reach for this book when their child feels like an outsider or is struggling with their identity. The Folk Keeper tells the story of Corinna, a fierce and lonely orphan whose job is to keep the malicious Folk sealed in their cellar. When she is offered a new position on a remote island, she seizes the chance for a different life, but discovers she cannot run from her true, hidden nature. This lyrical, atmospheric fantasy delves into themes of belonging, self-acceptance, and confronting fear. For older middle-grade readers (10-14), it's a powerful metaphorical tale about the monstrous feelings that can accompany adolescence and the courage it takes to embrace every part of yourself, even the wild and untamed parts.
The story deeply explores the protagonist's feelings of loneliness, alienation, and being an outcast.
ViolenceMild
Fantasy violence is present, as creatures attack people and property, but it is not graphic.
Sensitive Topics
The core theme of identity is explored through the metaphor of Corinna being a selkie. Her feelings of being physically different, unwanted, and alienated are direct parallels to adolescent struggles with self-image and belonging. The book's resolution is deeply hopeful, emphasizing self-acceptance and the integration of one's whole self rather than choosing one identity over another. The folklore has a Celtic, pre-Christian feel, but the approach is secular.
Ideal Reader
A thoughtful, introspective reader aged 11-14 who enjoys atmospheric fantasy and folklore. Specifically, a child who feels fundamentally different from their peers, struggles with body image, is exploring a mixed-heritage identity, or feels like they must hide a secret part of themselves to fit in.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold, as it explains its own mythology well. However, parents should be aware of its gothic, sometimes creepy atmosphere. The descriptions of the Folk and their attacks might be too intense for very sensitive readers. No specific scenes require previewing, but the emotional depth makes it more suited for the older end of the middle-grade range. The parent hears their child say, "I don't fit in anywhere," or "There's something wrong with me." The child might be exhibiting defensive anger or social withdrawal as a coping mechanism for feeling like an outsider.
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) will likely enjoy the fantasy adventure: the scary monsters, the mystery of Corinna's past, and her unique abilities. An older reader (12-14) will connect more deeply with the powerful central metaphor, understanding Corinna's selkie nature as a symbol for navigating the confusing changes of puberty and identity formation.
What Makes It Special
Unlike quest-driven fantasies, this is a profoundly internal, character-focused novel. Its uniqueness lies in its lyrical, poetic prose and its use of the selkie myth as a rich, resonant metaphor for female adolescence and self-acceptance. It's an atmospheric and emotionally nuanced book.
Read plot summary
Corinna is an orphan with unusual strength who works as a Folk Keeper, tending to the malicious, subterranean creatures beneath an old manor. She is prickly, isolated, and hides her true nature. When she is summoned for a more dangerous Folk Keeper position at a remote seaside estate, she uncovers the truth of her parentage and identity: she is a selkie, half-human and half-seal. The story follows her journey as she confronts this dual nature and must choose how to live, ultimately learning to integrate both sides of herself.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
At the beginning of the book, Corinna is very prickly and pushes people away. Why do you think she acts this way? How does her attitude change as she learns more about herself?
2
The Folk are described as being full of 'hate and rage.' In what ways do these creatures represent Corinna's own hidden feelings? Do you ever have feelings you have to 'keep' or control?
3
Corinna discovers she is a selkie and believes she must choose between being human or being a seal. Why was it important for her to find a way to be both? What does this say about accepting all parts of who we are?
4
Lady Alicia tells Corinna, 'There are all kinds of truth.' What does she mean by this? How does Corinna come to understand different kinds of truth about her family and herself?
