Book description
When eighteen-year-old Ellen accepts the post of housekeeper at
Hallendorf School of Music, Drama and Dance she wasn't expecting it to
be quite so unusual. For deep in the beautiful Austrian countryside, she
finds an eccentrically magical world occupied by wild children and even
wilder teachers, experimental dancers and a tortoise on wheels. Ellen is
particularly intrigued by the enigmatic, and very handsome, Marek,
part-time gardener and fencing teacher. Life in Hallendorf seems
idyllic, but outside Hitler's Reich is already casting its menacing
shadow over Europe. Through her growing friendship with Marek, Ellen
begins to encounter the dreadful reality of a world on the brink of war.
And by the time she has figured out Marek's true identity and his
dangerous mission, she is completely in love with him - and equally sure
that her love will never be requited.
Eva Ibbotson lives in Newcastle upon Tyne and has four grown-up
children. She has written ten other books for children which have been
translated into many languages. Two major movies based on her books
are currently in development.
