The Stolen Lake

I'm not sure what order the Dido books should be read in - they do stand alone, but it's nice to know some background. The mish mash of distorted history and pure fantasy are held together by Dido's good sense and no nonsense approach to adventures. Joan Aitken's coined words are wonderful and continue through the series. This book is good to read aloud or silently. I am reading the series to my daughter and am thoroughly enjoying it!

Of the many reasons to read the works of Joan Aiken, two stand out: the irresistable pluckiness of the heroines (especially Dido Twite), and Joan's marvellously detailed alternate history of the planet Earth.An alternative history is one of the staples of science fiction. What if the Nazis had won World War II? Or what if the South had won the American civil war? These subjects have consumed many a book. But Joan Aiken is unique, in my view, because she has crafted a detailed alternate history of England and America, and has used it as the backdrop, rather than the focus, of the story. Just take it for granted that the Stuarts managed to keep a hold of the English crown. This is just one of many ingredients in Joan Aiken's stories.But in "The Stolen Lake", Joan's alternative history writing is at its most creative, and that pushes its prominence forward in the book. Rather than fading into history, the ancient kingdom of Arthur and the remains of the Roman Empire stole the boats of the invading Saxons and fled to South America where they founded "Roman" (as opposed to "Latin") America. King Arthur still sleeps, but Queen Guenivere has basically sold her soul to keep herself alive through the 1300 years, awaiting her husband's return. Into this, the young and plucky Dido Twite arrives, and upsets the corrupt regime.This only scratches the surface of the detail of "The Stolen Lake". Alternative history buffs, fans of King Arthur tales, and fans of the plucky Dido Twite will find plenty to enjoy in this richly detailed tale that is a standout of Joan Aiken's books.

I have been a huge fan of Joan Aiken ever since I read Nightbirds on Nantucket in grade school. This book departs from her usual British "flavor" but I still found it fascinating. The characters and plot resonate with you long after the book is over. People who are familiar with the King Arthur legend will get the most from this book, as some of the references are hidden or not explicit. One caution -- there are some disturbing images (as there are in all of Aiken's books) and I would not recommend them for young or overly sensitive children.

Dido Twite, the quick-witted (and sharp-tongued) heroine of "Black Hearts in Battersea" and "Nightbirds on Nantucket," is back in this sequel. During the mythical reign of Britain's King George IV, the ship carrying 12-year-old Dido from Nantucket back to England is ordered to stop off in New Cumbria, a mysterious South American nation ruled by a suspiciously ancient queen. Is she, as she claims, the widow of King Arthur? If so, how has she managed to survive the centuries? And why aren't there any girls Dido's age in the entire country? For that matter, why did the midshipman of Dido's vessel take ill as soon as they arrived in port? With the same entertaining blend of Cockney common sense and sheer gutsiness that saw her through her earlier adventures, Dido manages to get to the bottom of things--saving an imprisoned princess and, yes, restoring a "stolen" lake in the bargain. All in all, a fun, fast, rollicking read for youngsters and adults alike.

Aiken's unsinkable Dido Twite is making her way back home when she finds herself entangled in the politics of a Celtic state located in the South American Andes. Taking place somewhere between "Nightbirds on Nantucket" and "The Cookoo Tree," this typically imaginative romp gives us a sleeping King Arthur, magic, and Dido's sunny disposition set in an alternative Victorian era. A must for Twite fans.