Title: The Stolen One
Author: Suzanne Crowley
First published June 30, 2009
416 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780061232008 (ISBN10: 0061232009)
Rating: 3.54
Overview
In The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley, Kat’s life is confined to the small village where she’s grown up with Grace and Anna. But Kat longs for more than just embroidery and a simple life with her suitor, Christian.
However, her world is turned upside down when a stranger arrives, revealing the truth about Kat’s mysterious past. Suddenly, her destiny takes her to London, where her needlework catches the attention of Queen Elizabeth and the dangerous wolves of the court.
As Kat uncovers the secrets Grace kept hidden, she must navigate a treacherous world of politics and power to find her true place in society.
About the Author
Suzanne is an accomplished author whose books have garnered numerous accolades. Her novels have been recognized by Book Sense, Indie Next, Amazon, and Bookbub as top picks.
Critics have praised her work, with School Library Journal describing it as “amazing” and “poignant,” while VOYA calls it “heart-stirring” and “marvelous.” Suzanne writes both middle grade and young adult fiction and is also a wife, mother, dollhouse miniature crafter, avid traveler, dog lover, nap expert, and chocolate enthusiast. Her novels have earned starred reviews from SLJ, KLIATT, VOYA, and BCCB and have been included on state and national reading lists.
Although she has lived all over the United States, Suzanne and her family now call Texas home.
Editoral Review
Suzanne Crowleys The Stolen One, published on June 30, 2009, is a captivating novel that incorporates themes of love, family, and identity against the backdrop of 18th century Vienna. Crowley is an American author who has written several other books, including The Very Ordered Existence of Merilee Marvelous and The Meanest Doll in the World, both of which were well received by young adult readers.
The Stolen One is a historical fiction novel that has a hint of mystery, romance, and social commentary. The plot of The Stolen One follows a young woman named Charlotte Bridgwater, who discovers that she has a secret twin sister named Victoria.
The two sisters were separated at birth, and Victoria was taken away by their fathers wealthy and influential family. Determined to reunite with her sister, Charlotte sets out to find her, uncovering secrets about her familys past and the corrupt nature of the aristocracy in Vienna along the way.
Crowleys writing style is both elegant and immersive, transporting readers to a different time and place with her vivid descriptions of the opulent settings and intricate details of 18th-century Vienna. The characters in the novel are complex and well-developed, with each one having their own unique motivations and desires.
Charlotte, as the protagonist, is a strong and intelligent character who is determined to find her sister no matter the cost. Victoria, on the other hand, is portrayed as a more delicate and naive character, which creates an interesting contrast between the two sisters.
One of the strengths of The Stolen One is that it sheds light on the harsh realities of life for women in 18th-century Europe. Crowleys commentary on the oppressive nature of the aristocracy and the struggles of women to break free from societal constraints adds depth and substance to the novel.
The novels themes of love and identity are also skillfully woven into the plot, making the story relatable to contemporary readers. However, there are some flaws in the novel, particularly in terms of pacing.
The story unfolds slowly, with several chapters devoted to establishing the setting and characters before the plot really kicks off. Additionally, some of the historical details can be overwhelming for readers who are not well-versed in European history, although this is a minor criticism.
Overall, The Stolen One is an impressive work of historical fiction that would appeal to young adult readers interested in romance, mystery, and historical commentary. Fans of other classic historical fiction novels such as Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte or Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier would appreciate the intimate and atmospheric setting throughout The Stolen One.
As such, the novel gets a rating of 4 out of 5 stars for its impeccable imagery, strong characters, and insightful social commentary.
