The Transfigured Hart – Jane Yolen

Book Title: The Transfigured Hart

Series: 

Author: Jane Yolen

Goodreads Link: Click here

Release Date:  6/12/18 (originally 1975)

Star Rating:  –  Lovely little book. Recommended

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not much of a fan of “coming of age” stories, whether in book or film.  They just don’t appeal to me.  The Transfigured Hart however,  is a cut above.  It is the story of a young girl and boy named Heather and Richard.  At first glance they are nothing alike. Richard is unfortunately physically weak, an introvert but a voracious reader. Heather is bold, lively and adventurous. They both have chance encounters with a creature they see in the woods. They don’t agree on what the creature is, unicorn or hart, but both agree that it needs to be protected.

The story is magical, full of lush imagery and description. The two children are complex characters who act like real children, not with the false precociousness we see in some books.  These two navigate the step over from childhood fantasy to young adulthood in the midst of a fairy tale of their own making. Or is it? Was it a hart or a unicorn they encountered in the woods?

I haven’t read any of Ms. Yolen’s other works, but I’ve seen her praised by other bloggers whose opinions I respect. I really need to pick them up. I also need to re-read this book. It’s a book to be savored and I didn’t realize that. I read it far too quickly.  It is a good book for a quiet afternoon. I would recommend reading it with a good soundtrack, a cup of tea, a cat and a soft blanket. Yes, excellent plan.

Song for this book: The Dark Night of the Soul – Loreena McKennitt