Book Info

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Synopsis

The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner

The story of a remarkable boy called Yann Margoza; Tetu the dwarf, his friend and mentor; Sido, unloved daughter of a foolish Marquis; and Count Kalliovski, Grand Master of a secret society, who has half the aristocracy in thrall to him, and wants Yann dead. Yann is spirited away to London but three years later, when Paris is gripped by the bloody horrors of the Revolution, he returns, charged with two missions: to find out Kalliovski's darkest deeds and to save Sido from the guillotine. With a tangle of secrets, a thread of magic and a touch of humour, the follies of the aristocracy and the sufferings of ordinary people are unfolded as their lives move relentlessly towards the tragic and horrific days of the Terror. THE RED NECKLACE is not only a tremendous adventure story but a vibrant and passionate picture of Paris in turmoil and of a large cast of memorable characters.

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Reviews

'Exquisitely constructed...sophisticated, unpatronising...this book is a challenging read but also extremely rewarding. With vivid descriptions and fluid prose, this tale of magic, murder and madness brings 18th-century Europe to life on the page'
WATERSTONE
'S BOOKS QUARTERLY 'Gardner's story is told with relentless pace, and breathes fear and trepidation into the reader'
INIS
'...an exciting, well written story with plenty of intrigue and plot twists to keep the reader hooked'
WRITE AWAY
'Gardner has woven a tense and believable fantasy into a setting of great danger and social termoil. Suspenseful throughout, The Red Necklace builds a thrilling climax. Highly recommended'
HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW
'a tremendous adventure story told a breathtaking pace. Brilliantly rich and intricate in design and characters, this story is guaranteed to excite and compel its reader.'
LOVEREADING4Kids A thrilling yarn, packed with passion and intrigue
FRANCE MAGAZINE
'Beautifully written...a captivating and readable fantasy
THE TEACHER Gardner is a soaring star who has managed to produce something unique, intensely satisfying and ultimately brilliant. THETRUTHABOUTBOOKS
.COM

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About The Author

Sally Gardner is an award-winning novelist from London. Her books have been translated into 22 languages and have sold more than one million copies in the UK.

Her historical novel for older readers, I, Coriander, won the Smarties Children's Book Prize in 2005.  Two thrillers both set at the time of the French Revolution, The Red Necklace and The Silver Blade, which was shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize in 2009, followed. Actor Dominic West ('The Wire') has bought the film rights to both titles.

Sally Gardner's stories for middle readers include Lucy Willow and the popular Magical Children series of six titles The Strongest Girl in the World, The Invisible Boy, The Boy with Magic Numbers, The Smallest Girl in the World, The Boy with the Lightning Feet, and The Boy who Could Fly, which are also available as audio books.

She has also written and illustrated picture books including The Fairy Catalogue, The Glass Heart, The Book of Princesses and Playtime Rhymes.

The Double Shadow is published in November 2011.

Sally Gardner continues to be an avid spokesperson for Dyslexia, working to change the way it is perceived by society. She is dyslexic and argues that it's not a disability, but a gift.

 

If you'd love to know more about Sally, click here to download a more detailed biography and Q&A.

To see a video of Sally talking about her book Fairy Shopping - CLICK HERE

Or watch a video of her talking about The Silver Blade:

 

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