Dollmage [Paperback]

Grade 6 Up-Between the first line, "My people, lay down your stones," and the last, "Remember me, and love me anyway," is a tightly plotted story of pride, jealousy, magic, passion, and regret. The Dollmage is the keeper of the village's stories, and as she makes the "dolls" of the townspeople's world, she shapes and defines their roles and lives. Leavitt unfolds her tale carefully, weaving other stories into and over it, bringing other villagers into sharp focus and making Seekvalley a well-defined place. She tells of four children born on one day, when her powers are slipping and she must choose a successor. As the years pass, she chooses the wild, lazy Renoa, who has the gift but no desire to help those around her. Annakey also has the gift, and she is kind and industrious. As the girls grow, Annakey's power grows stronger and stronger, until she mistakenly usurps the power of the Dollmage. She is betrayed by the jealous Renoa, raped and forced into a marriage promise by Areth, and denied her rights to justice because she reneges on her promise. The punishment for promise breaking is death. As the story reaches its conclusion, the village is overcome and ruined by wild animals and fire. When blame must be placed, all but two of the survivors, the Dollmage and Annakey's sweetheart, are ready to stone her. The ending, though surprising, fits neatly into the tale, without being too convenient and tidy. A book that is extraordinary for its characterizations and plot.
Patricia A. Dollisch, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

"This fast-paced story is driven by all-too human failings. . . The strength of this story lies in the character motivations, which will appeal far beyond genre lines."

-- VOYA

"A tightly plotted story of pride, jealousy, magic, passion, and regret."

-- School Library Journal

Benjamin Franklin Juvenile Young Adult Fiction Award Nomination

ALA/YALSA Best Books for Young Adults Selection

Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice Citation

The Dollmage is the wise woman of Seekvalley. As her powers weaken and age comes upon her, she knows she must chose a successor. On the day she predicts to be the birthday of her chosen one, two girls are born: Annakey and Renoa. One must learn the Dollmage's magic, but which one? She chooses Renoa, but as Annakey grows, she discovers that she, too, has magic. When Seekvalley is threatened by outside forces, Annakey is the only one with a plan to save her people. But how can she ever persuade the Dollmage that she has the power to help? Who will believe her?

Martine Leavittis an award-winning writer of critically acclaimed young adult fiction. Besides winning the prestigious Mr. Christie's Award and Benjamin Franklin Award, Martine's six previous titles have received numerous award nominations including the Governor General's Literary Award. Martine also holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Vermont College and lives in High River, Alberta.