The Ogress and The Orphans
“She loved others more than she loved herself. This can be a problem, of course. Sometimes. But it can also be a solution.”
A once-lovely town, Stone-in-the-Glen, has fallen on difficult times. The people have lost their library, school, park, and their neighborliness. They have to deal with fires, floods, and other such calamities. The townspeople have put their faith in the Mayor- a man promising that he alone can help.
The clever children living in the Orphan house, and the kind Ogress living at the edge of town see just how bad the town’s problems are.
When a child goes missing from the Orphan House, the Mayor makes all eyes turn to the Ogress. The orphans know this can’t be true. After all, the Ogress and an excellent flock of crows deliver gifts to the people of Stone-in-the-Glen in secret.
How can the orphans explain this to those who refuse to listen, and how can they help them see the real villain?
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Kelly Barnhill
Algonquin
390 Pages
The theme of this book is the importance of accepting others
and being a good neighbor.
This book is set in a fantastical world located within a rural town. Along with dragons and humans, there are also ogres, trolls, and ghosts. These species, though based on common ideas, are unique in their own way. The dragons can become other animals by wearing their skins, and ogres have plantlike hair.
I enjoyed reading from the points of view of the orphans, who were suspicious of the Ogress at first. However, it later becomes clear to them that the Ogress is not who they thought, and they do everything they can to stop the other townspeople from harming her. I also liked the Ogress, who was kind and cared for the animals. I felt bad for her, since she was just looking for a place to belong. It was enjoyable to watch the two main characters, the orphans and the Ogress, finally meet.
There are vague mentions of violence, including being attacked by cats and fire.
I enjoyed reading this book, learning more about the world and getting to know the characters. It was interesting, the way the landscape and other creatures found in the world were introduced only as they appeared in the story. For example, in the beginning of the book, it never tells you what other species are there until they appear in the story. I found the narrator to be interesting and humorous while telling the story. The Ogress was kind and it was sad to see how the townsfolk reacted to her presence. The Orphans all had unique personalities too, and it was interesting to watch them clash but ultimately work together.
People who enjoyed reading The Ogress and The Orphans may also like Wishtree, another book about accepting others.
