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The Goose Girl

Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

Princess Anidori-Kiladra of Kildenree was born with a word on her tongue and a secret magic. Though she is raised in luxury, she is never quite comfortable with who she is or what she is to become. Then she is sent on a journey to marry an unknown prince. The trip is difficult, and before it is finished all her expectations are overturned. Alone, friendless, stripped of her crown and her title, Ani must learn to make her own path in the world. Along the way, she just might learn to be a princess.

Bold in concept, stunning in execution, The Goose Girl is one of the most spectacular debut novels of recent years. Now more than four dozen actors bring it to thrilling new life in this unabridged audio edition—a recording that will delight those who already love the book, and enthrall those who have not yet discovered it.

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  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Ani, the Princess of Kildenree, is a character in the Cinderella tradition, but her story of betrayal, strength, and resilience has several twists. When her handmaiden, Celia, plots to replace her--the resulting deception, stolen identity, and danger transform Ani into The Goose Girl. This counterpoint experience teaches her about loyalty, friendship, and eventually, love. A note of warning: The occasional violence and cruelty to animals urge caution for young listeners. Cynthia Bishop as the narrator and Erika Lustig as Princess Ani give especially good performances in this full-cast production, and musical cues add a nice accompaniment. The only distraction is the "voice" given to inanimate objects, such as the wind, which overstretches the plot. L.H. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      June 30, 2003
      In this affecting debut novel, Princess Ani, the shy, sensitive, first-born daughter to the king and queen of Kildenree, embarks on an adventure-filled journey to learn the many lessons that will make her a true queen. With the help of her aunt (the queen's sister), Ani discovers that she was born with the "gift of animal speaking." But her gift frightens others. The narrative's leisurely pace plays up Ani's sense of isolation; at a ball hosted by her parents, for instance, the nurses hold Ani's siblings close and whisper of "men and secret things. Every word they spoke seemed to empty Ani more, like buckets dipped into a shallow well." Considering Ani unworthy of the crown, Ani's newly widowed mother sends her off, at age 17, to be married to the prince of a neighboring kingdom—mainly to keep peace. On the way to "the other side of the mountains," her lady-in-waiting steals her identity and wrests control of the guards so she may enter the kingdom of Bayern as the Kildenree princess. Meanwhile, Ani dodges attempts on her life, is looked after by an older woman in the Forest, and finally makes it to Bayern, to be hired in the palace as a goose girl. Only when she develops humility, a sense of justice, a talent for peacekeeping, an ability to command the wind and the gift of "people speaking" can Ani reclaim her place as the future queen of Bayern. In an attempt to weave all of the elements of the original tale, the novel at times bogs down in detail. But those who enjoy getting lost in an enchanted world will discover here a satisfying and richly embellished retelling of a classic that communicates values still pertinent to contemporary readers. Ages 10-up.

    • Publisher's Weekly

      May 9, 2005
      PW
      called this "an affecting debut novel. Those who enjoy getting lost in an enchanted world will discover here a satisfying and richly embellished retelling of a classic." Ages 10-up.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • ATOS Level:5.9
  • Lexile® Measure:870
  • Interest Level:4-8(MG)
  • Text Difficulty:4-5

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