My Father's Daughter

Picked this book up for my kids and I couldn't put it down. Facinating, funny, sad and a good mystery all at once. The writing is clever, the kid characters are well-established, though the adults are a bit fuzzy. Great for 11-12-year-olds and up, though there are some serious topics covered here.

Father's Arcane Daughter was a childhood favorite that retains its appeal though I'm now in my 30s. As with all of Konigsburg's works, this book is a masterful tale that keeps you guessing until the very end. The central question of the book (is she or isn't she Caroline) becomes increasingly less important as her role in the family becomes increasingly more so. The unexpected ending is nevertheless satisfying, though I agree it comes all to soon. This excellent children's book is definitely on my must read list!

Father's Arcane Daughter was one of my favorite books when I was little, and it still holds that spot now. The characters are realistic and interesting, the story moving and gripping, and the ending heart-warming and rewarding. Winstong Carmichael is a seventh-grader with a priveleged upbringing and an impressive intelligence and maturity. Unfortunately, his undisciplined, overindulged, ten-year-old sister Heidi (short for Hilary) is a heavy weight on his shoulders. She requires constant entertainment from others, as she is not able to entertain herself, and has horrible manners and no consideration for others. Her hearing and coordination problems make her a bit dependant, but her behavior is what makes her a burden, one that Winston resents (he is actually unable to bring friends over because Heidi ruins the visits). Then,when he meets a woman claiming to be his long-lost half sister, Caroline, from his dad's previous marriage, Winston's life is turned around. Caroline Carmichael was presumed dead years ago after a kidnapping, so many are suspicious of the new arrival's claims that she is Caroline, despite her physical resemblence to Caroline and extensive knowledge of Caroline's old friends and relatives. Is she really the person she claims to be, or is she trying to get her hands on the family fortune? While the process of examination goes on, Winston gets to know a person who may or may not be his half sister, but is, without a doubt, a beacon of light in his life. The possible Caroline knows that Winston will be forever imprisoned by his sister's dependance if something is not done to help Heidi become as independant as she is able to be, so she starts down the road to teach Heidi proper, polite behavior, as well as teaching her how to best work with her hearing and coordination handicaps. Through Winston's perspective, the reader will learn many hidden, sometimes ugly, truths about a seemingly normal rich family and about the woman who helps free the children from their gilded cage.

This is a truly riveting book, told masterfully by one of my favorite childrens' authors. The characters are multi dimensional and well-developed and the plot is unusual and insightful. I found myself unable to put it down, and when I finished it left a hauntingly beautiful echo that lasted for days.This is childrens' book of true quality.

It was a very quick read, but I was hooked from beginning to end. I couldn't put it down for two days. I just had to know how it ended! E.L. Konigsburg used the perfect language and descriptions to catch every mood of every character, the whole book through! I give it a ten, and highly recommend it to any book lover!