The Bride's Farewell

Meg Rosoff's new novel is, as ever, a masterpiece of plotting and character. Pell Ridley leaves home on the morning of her wedding to avoid a marriage to the local blacksmith. Her young brother (who is mute) comes with her and they set off on her pony Jack to escape their destiny. This is set in mid 19th Century Nomansland, with lots of horses, dogs, poachers and open country (around Salisbury Plain) with itinerant people and those out to do others down. This short novel is rich in characters and incident. A real page turner.