In novel after novel, Mahy has delineated strong young heroines who are struggling to forge a place in their families and in the world of adults. These are young women of remarkable intelligence and sensitivity. Harry Hamilton is such a character. She is on the brink of womanhood, but she is buried in the center of the family, unable to command attention as do her dazzling and beautiful older sister Christobel and the younger Serena. Harry feels taken for granted, the safe, secure sister who can be depended on and who is thus ignored. She is buried behind her facade. Silent, she hides behind a curtain of coppery-colored hair and her glasses, unwilling to share her face with the world. She also buries herself in her writing. Up in her attic, she creates the lushly romantic purple prose of the story of Lady Jessica...