Title: Acorna: The Unicorn Girl
Author: Anne McCaffrey
First published July 1, 1997
400 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780606255202 (ISBN10: 0606255206)
Rating: 3.7
Overview
She stood in front of the mirror, wondering if her life was a romantic comedy or a drama. Emily loves the idea of happily ever after, but does she love her comfortable life with her long-time boyfriend, Mark, just as much?
As their wedding approaches, Emily starts to feel unsure. When she gets the opportunity to house-sit in Notting Hill, one of her favourite movie settings, Emily jumps at the chance to escape her doubts.
But living like a movie character is not as easy as she thought, especially when her new neighbour, Alex, is so infuriatingly charming. Emily soon finds herself playing the lead in her own romantic comedy, but she can’t decide who should be her leading man.
About the Author
Anne McCaffrey, a renowned science fiction author, was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on April 1, 1926. Her parents were George Herbert McCaffrey, who had a BA, MA, and PhD from Harvard and was a retired US Army Colonel, and Anne Dorothy McElroy McCaffrey, who was an estate agent.
She had two brothers, Hugh and Kevin, with Hugh passing away in 1988 and Kevin still alive.
Anne attended Stuart Hall in Staunton, Virginia, Montclair High School in Montclair, New Jersey, and graduated cum laude from Radcliffe College with a major in Slavonic Languages and Literatures.
After working at Liberty Music Shops and Helena Rubinstein from 1947 to 1952, she got married in 1950 and had three children named Alec Anthony, Todd, and Georgeanne.
Her first story was published by Sam Moskowitz in Science Fiction + Magazine, and her first novel was published by Ballantine Books in 1967. By the time her children were in school most of the day, she had already achieved enough success with short stories to devote full time to writing.
Her first novel, Restoree, was a protest against the unrealistic portrayals of women in science fiction novels in the 1950s and 1960s. However, her skills as a storyteller are best displayed in the handling of broader themes and the worlds of her imagination, particularly in the two series The Ship Who Sang and the fourteen novels about the Dragonriders of Pern.
Anne McCaffrey passed away at the age of 85 on November 21, 2011, after suffering a massive stroke.
Editoral Review
Acorna: The Unicorn Girl by Anne McCaffrey is a fascinating book that blends science fiction, fantasy, and coming-of-age themes into a compelling story. Anne McCaffrey is a prolific author known for her unique world-building, vivid characters, and imaginative plots.
This book was first published on July 1, 1997, and has since garnered a cult following among science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts worldwide. The book is set in a distant future where humans have discovered space travel and settled on different planets in the universe.
The story follows the main character, Acorna, who is a girl with a unicorn-like appearance and magical powers. She was discovered as an orphan in space by three miners who take her in and raise her as their own.
Acorna grows up with a strong sense of purpose and determination to find her true identity and use her powers to help others. The book is beautifully crafted, with a richly imagined world, complex characters, and deep themes.
The story explores the different facets of identity, self-discovery, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with their strengths and weaknesses, fears, and hopes.
The setting is also well-described, with vivid details that create a sense of immersion for the reader. One of the strengths of the book is its pacing.
The story moves at a brisk pace, with enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged throughout. The plot structure is also well-designed, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
The themes of family, friendship, love, and sacrifice are seamlessly woven into the narrative, giving the story a deep emotional resonance. However, the book does have some weaknesses, particularly in its writing style.
The prose can be clunky at times, and some of the dialogue feels forced and contrived. Additionally, some of the plot elements feel predictable and formulaic, which may disappoint readers looking for more unconventional storytelling.
Overall, Acorna: The Unicorn Girl is a delightful and engaging book that will appeal to fans of science fiction, fantasy, and coming-of-age stories. It is a deeply human tale that explores complex themes with grace and sensitivity, and will leave readers with a profound sense of hope and inspiration.
While there are some flaws in its execution, the book still stands out as a remarkable achievement and a testament to Anne McCaffrey’s storytelling abilities. I would recommend this book to young adults and adult readers who enjoy science fiction and fantasy books with strong female protagonists.
It is also a great book for anyone interested in exploring themes of identity, self-discovery, and the power of love and friendship. Based on its overall quality, I rate Acorna: The Unicorn Girl 4 out of 5 stars.
While it is not a perfect book, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses and make it a worthwhile read for anyone looking for a captivating and rewarding story.
