France, 1789 to 1792

Unrest is growing in France this terrible winter, but the shabby theater on the rue du Temple is having its best season ever, thanks to the wondrous act of the magician Topolain. Now Topolain is talented, but the real crowd pleaser is the automaton that walks and talks and sometimes reads minds and sees the future. That this wooden Pierrot moves is the work behind the scene of the dwarf Têtu, who can move objects with his mind alone. The young lad called Yann, Têtu's ward, is the voice behind Pierrot; the clairvoyance is his, as well. On this night, two things of import occur: Yann hears a mysterious woman's voice speaking in the Romany language Têtu and Yann use between themselves, warning him to run from the devil. And the theater manager receives -- and accepts -- an invitation from Count Kalliovski to stage Topolain's performance at the Marquis du Villeduval's chateau.

Along with the automaton's performance, Topolain also has an act where he "magically" catches a bullet fired at him. Unfortunately for him, at the private show at the chateau, he inadvertently lets on that he recognizes Count Kalliovski from long ago. That night, the bullet act fails, and Topolain is shot dead. Têtu and Yann realize the danger and escape back to Paris, but not before they meet Sido, the daughter of the marquis, who helps them on their way. Yann and Sido, who are but fourteen and twelve at the start of the story, are destined to meet again. Apart and together, they are witnesses and victims of the terror to come in this gripping tale set in the time of the French Revolution.

The Marquis du Villeduval and Count Kalliovski are both evil villains, yet of two very different stripes. The marquis is a complete narcissist; his needs and wants are the only things that matter to him. Certainly not his motherless daughter, whom he hides away in a convent until he promises her to Kalliovski in exchange for forgiving his debts. Du Villeduval epitomizes the decadent aristocracy that rules France. The count, on the other hand, is evil personified. Greed and power are his gods. Through debt and blackmail, he holds many like the marquis in his grasp. Marriage to Sido when she turns fifteen will bring him another fortune.

So much for villains; our hero and heroine are two enchanting young people with mysteries in their pasts. They form a sort of spiritual bond that you know will last a lifetime, but have many adventures yet to come before their tales are fully told. Têtu is another heroic character, with a devotion to Yann that never lets up.

THE RED NECKLACE is advertised for young readers age twelve and up. To me, "and up" can be read as infinite. It's a story that can be enjoyed by all ages for its enthralling suspense, affecting character interaction, vividly portrayed history with instances of honor and betrayal, and its touches of fantasy. (However, readers who have not yet been exposed to the history of France might want to begin at the back of the book and read the brief piece on the historical background of the story.)

Sally Gardner began reading late because of dyslexia and has more than made up for that by becoming the author and illustrator of books for young children. THE RED NECKLACE is her second book (after I, CORIANDER) written for older youths. It's a beautifully crafted novel that cries out for a sequel.

Jane Bowers