An Engaging Young Heroine

Sometimes a new author comes along who reminds me why I love books and people and the world. Asta in the Wings had gotten many good reviews by the time I sat down to read it, so I was expecting it to be decent. What I wasn't expecting was for it be so totally captivating and exquisitely written. It's the story of seven-year-old Asta, who (along with her brother) is kept completely removed from the world by her mother. How the mother convinces her children that they mustn't leave the house, and how the story unfolds, is fascinating! The author nails the voice of a young girl who is both ahead of the curve and totally out of place--Asta's descriptions of what she feels and sees and thinks are particularly wonderful. Jan Elizabeth Watson's writing talent is particularly evident in the way she garners sympathy for characters that beg to be hated. I'm very much look forward to reading her future books.