Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Oct.07, 2013, under Fairy Tale, Fantasy, ORCA, Sam's Reviews, YRCA
Who would like this book? People, ages 11 and up, who like fairytale-like stories in which good overcomes evil after much suspense.
The goods on this book: Liesl, an orphan who misses her sweet father and mother greatly, has been locked in the attic by her evil, conniving stepmother who is set on stealing the family fortune from Liesl. Liesl finds comfort by visits from an understanding and soft-hearted ghost, Po, and his ghostly pet, Bundle. Through Po, Liesl learns of her father’s last wishes, and she must plot an escape so that she can fulfill his wishes. Meanwhile, another orphan, Will, has a rough life working as an apprentice to a selfish, egotistical alchemist. Will’s one delight is to stand beneath Liesl’s window to get a peek at her lovely face. One dark night, Will is on a crucially important errand for the alchemist and mixes up a delivery of boxes that look alike. When Will must escape the wrath of his master, he runs away. His path crosses Liesl’s, and they must somehow evade the wicked adults who are hot on their trail. The book is delightful and exciting, with plenty of suspense and illustrations that complement the story. Liesl & Po is very different from Lauren Oliver’s other books (Before I Fall and Delirium), demonstrating that she has an impressive range as a writer.
The details: 307 pages; 2011 Review by Samrarian
