Hush: An Irish Princess' Tale
by Donna Jo Napoli
by Donna Jo Napoli
HUSH by Donna Jo Napoli
Category: Historical
Age Recommendation: Grades 9+
Release Date: 10/23/07
Publisher: Atheneum
Reviewed by: JodiG.
Rating: 5 Stars
What would you do if you were torn away from your life and everything you knew and forced into slavery? If you were
taken to new places where people spoke different languages than you, how would you persevere?
Meet Melkorka, the oldest daughter of an Irish king. As members of royalty, Melkorka and her brother, Nuada, and
sister, Brigid, enjoy life at the top of the social structure. In Dublin, travelers from around the world gather to sell their
wares. The “heathen” Vikings are among them. Melkorka wants nothing more for her birthday than to visit the stores in
Dublin with her family and find the perfect brooch for her cape. The trip ends tragically when her brother is attacked in
one of the shops. Although Nuada has survived, he is disfigured and, therefore, no longer able to be the future king.
Melkorka’s father, the king, develops a plan for revenge against the Viking offenders. The plan involves luring a Viking
ship to their town. Melkorka and her younger sister, Brigid, are sent away in the dark of night to assure their safety.
Before they can reach their destination, Melkorka and Brigid are abducted and taken aboard a ship bound for an
unknown destination. Although her instinct is to announce her royal status and demand to be treated as such, Melkorka
succumbs to the hints from Brigid and the word she has heard her mother utter so often, “Hush." She becomes silent,
refusing to speak to her abductors, the other prisoners, or even to scream at the horrors she sees inflicted upon others.
While Brigid manages a daring escape, Melkorka remains captive, forming silent bonds with those she is held prisoner
with and captivating one of her abductors. Her silence becomes her strength, an unbreakable and enticing gift. But how
will a princess adapt to life as a slave? Will she ever escape or will she remain silenced forever?
HUSH is based on an Icelandic folk tale. Donna Jo Napoli has gone to great lengths to create a story for the
princess/slave described in the tale. Her writing draws you into the story; you can almost feel the cold air from the deck
of the Viking ship. This is an amazing tale of strength and perseverance in the face of insurmountable challenges. A
highly recommended reading experience.
Category: Historical
Age Recommendation: Grades 9+
Release Date: 10/23/07
Publisher: Atheneum
Reviewed by: JodiG.
Rating: 5 Stars
What would you do if you were torn away from your life and everything you knew and forced into slavery? If you were
taken to new places where people spoke different languages than you, how would you persevere?
Meet Melkorka, the oldest daughter of an Irish king. As members of royalty, Melkorka and her brother, Nuada, and
sister, Brigid, enjoy life at the top of the social structure. In Dublin, travelers from around the world gather to sell their
wares. The “heathen” Vikings are among them. Melkorka wants nothing more for her birthday than to visit the stores in
Dublin with her family and find the perfect brooch for her cape. The trip ends tragically when her brother is attacked in
one of the shops. Although Nuada has survived, he is disfigured and, therefore, no longer able to be the future king.
Melkorka’s father, the king, develops a plan for revenge against the Viking offenders. The plan involves luring a Viking
ship to their town. Melkorka and her younger sister, Brigid, are sent away in the dark of night to assure their safety.
Before they can reach their destination, Melkorka and Brigid are abducted and taken aboard a ship bound for an
unknown destination. Although her instinct is to announce her royal status and demand to be treated as such, Melkorka
succumbs to the hints from Brigid and the word she has heard her mother utter so often, “Hush." She becomes silent,
refusing to speak to her abductors, the other prisoners, or even to scream at the horrors she sees inflicted upon others.
While Brigid manages a daring escape, Melkorka remains captive, forming silent bonds with those she is held prisoner
with and captivating one of her abductors. Her silence becomes her strength, an unbreakable and enticing gift. But how
will a princess adapt to life as a slave? Will she ever escape or will she remain silenced forever?
HUSH is based on an Icelandic folk tale. Donna Jo Napoli has gone to great lengths to create a story for the
princess/slave described in the tale. Her writing draws you into the story; you can almost feel the cold air from the deck
of the Viking ship. This is an amazing tale of strength and perseverance in the face of insurmountable challenges. A
highly recommended reading experience.