The Stitchwort Curse

LoveReading4Kids Says

September 2024 Debut of the Month

Alexandra Dawe’s inventive, original fairy-tale-style adventure is as twisty and interwoven as the branches of the tree that grows up through the middle of Stitchwort House.

Etta lives there, a somewhat lonely life with her family, the house’s multitude of spiders keeping her company. Neither she nor any member of her family can leave the house unless they want to risk an unfortunate and pretty much certain death, thanks to an old curse. But then three new members of the family arrive, looking for a refuge from the outside world where World War II is beginning. Now that Etta has a companion her own age, will they be able to discover the truth about the curse, and even break it?

The story is full of surprises and unexpected developments, and plenty of moments of real jeopardy for the two young protagonists. Characters we meet along the way include ghosts, mer people, and some really enormous spiders. I might not recommend this to arachnophobes but for those who enjoy stories that entwine you into their unique worlds, this will be required reading.

Reviewed by Andrea Reece
Andrea Reece has spent almost her entire working life in children’s books, first as publisher, latterly as consultant, project manager and critic.
More reviews by Andrea Reece

About The Stitchwort Curse

Etta Starling has never set foot outside Stitchwort. Shrouded by a dark curse for over a century the estate is lost and forgotten.

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