hush: an Irish princess' tale

by Donna Jo Napoli

In hush, Napoli has created a haunting tale based on an ancient Irish folk story about a princess named Melkorka. Melkorka is beautiful and haughty, used to being waited upon and to looking down on those who serve her. A brutal attack in which her older brother's hand is severed, causes their mother to send Melkorka and her little sister, Brigid, away for safety. Along the way, the girls are abducted by slave traders, and very quickly learn what they must do to survive. Melkorka deals with her situation by becoming mute. She reminds herself continually of some of her mother's last words to her--"hush Melkorka, hush." Her lack of speech, causes her captors to be curious and even afraid of her which protects her from unwanted attention. Eventually Melkorka is sold to a man who treats her well, though he uses her as a concubine. However, as a slave, she has no rights and virtually no chance of ever returning home.

This story gives a grim picture of life in 900 A.D. British Isles. Raiding Vikings cause constant fear, and there is unrelenting work for the common people just to maintain the barest necessities of life. Napoli has once again given us a realistic picture of ancient life, and a strong character in Melkorka who changes from a spoiled princess to a compassionate, capable survivor. A great historical read on this year's Tayshas list. --reviewed by Dail Sams