“Immediately compelling and action-packed, this carefully researched work of historical fiction introduces young readers to the childhood of the famous yet elusive Beryl Markham, the first person to fly solo from England to North America. As in her debut novel, Prisoners in the Palace, MacColl propels readers into a multilayered story with an unforgettable heroine and evocative language that brings the backdrop of colonial British East Africa to life. A fascinating read for anyone with a thirst for adventure.”
As Michaela MacColl showcases her second novel she proves to all that her calling in historical fiction extends far beyond what we saw in her debut novel Prisoner’s in the Palace (Stiletto Storytime Review) which brought itself immediately to so many readers’ attention in such a positive way. In particular the author has a great talent for combining historical fact and well-created fiction into a seamless tale that is in the end as a whole so much greater than it’s individual parts.
Completely different and yet utterly special in it’s own right Promise the Night is based on the true life story of Beryl Markham’s unique childhood in the wilds of British East Africa and more specifically her interaction with the Nandi tribe. Told in flashback from the present day (1936) feat of her famous flight from England to North America, the tale can be somewhat slow at times but proves to still keep young readers in it’s clutches with it’s adventurous nature and wildly audacious young Beryl leading the action. Also interesting is the use of mixed media in the telling combining traditional prose with journal entries and even newspaper articles.
With it’s call to high adventure and remarkable leading lady the book will be a hit with audiences of both genders in both the middle grade and young adult markets. It also shines as a historical fiction work about a lesser known historical figure of the female gender which always lends itself well to school projects and reports from an educational stand point. Well-researched and as always with Ms. MacColl appealingly written, the book will shine for many readers and many purposes.
Book Giveaway
Thanks to the generousity of the always fabulous Chronicle Books one lucky reader at Stiletto Storytime will receive a copy of not only Promise the Night but MacColl’s debut novel Prisoners in the Palace as well. Giveaway ends midnight EST January 30, 2012. This giveaway is open US/Canada only. Winners will be chosen by random.org and notified by e-mail address and/or Twitter. Good Luck to all and Happy Reading!
Since adventure is key in MacColl’s latest tale:
To enter simply comment below and share your favorite adventure tale as a child or young adult.
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OMG, multiple levels of squeeing. One, I love Beryl Markham and I’m thrilled to see her represented in fic. Two, I had no idea this was the same author as Prisoners in the Palace, which I’ve heard nothing but awesome stuff about. Third, hooray giveaway! I’m a twitter follower of you, MacColl, and Chronicle (as unabridgedchick. I’m also a follower via RSS/Google Reader.
welll, I absolutely love the three muskateers, and anything by Dumas. Can’t beat the classics!! And Iam already a follower on everything. This book sounds extra cool because it is one of the books actually geared to my age !!!
I wonder why we’ve never heard of Markham before? It sounds like she had a fascinating life.
I had wondered that too…from what it sounds like in the book this was a time in aviation history where records were being set constantly even by women during that time so perhaps she kind of got lost in the mix which is a shame because her life certainly was far from boring especially her childhood which is chronicled largely in the book. Honestly it was kind of nice reading about someone I had never heard of it..because I read so much it rarely happens. Nice change.
I really want both of these books! Robinson Crusoe was a favorite of mine. I would love to read it again. A “real-life” adventure for me as a child is when my family went to Disney World and my brother and I went on the Mr. Toad’s Wild Adventure ride. I really though we were going to get run over by that train. LOL! I went on it again as an adult that I had to laugh hysterically when the train came. It was so fake looking.
teddyr66 at yahoo dot com
Teddy- You’ll love her first book…it’y my favorite of the two just because I prefer the time period. I have to admit I have never read “Robinson Crusoe”…perhaps I should remedy that this year. Thanks for the suggestion!
I loved the Jungle Book as a child. I’ve had the privilege of reading MacColl’s books and recommend them for any child seeking an adventure in reading!
This sounds like a great book, one that would also be a good book club book. I’ll have to read the first book as well. My favorite adventure tale when I was younger and still a favorite today is Scottish Chiefs by Jane Porter. I also loved Robin Hood by Paul Creswick and Westward Ho by Charles Kingsley. Westward Ho probably has the best ending of these three and if you haven’t read them, I highly recommend that you do! Mine are all in my illustrated by NC Wyeth collection.
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Hello! I follow all three on twitter KellandrewsPA
My favorite adventures as a child were The Rescuers. She may be a mouse, but Miss Bianca was my hero.
Tressa- Thanks for the recommendations. I actually haven’t read any of these so I’m excited to add them to my TBR list for the year! Good luck in the drawing and thanks for following!
A big congratulations to our winner Audra! Thanks to everyone who entered and everyone who shared their favorite adventure stories…lots to add to the TBR list. Happy Reading to All!
As a kid Treasure Island had my undivided attention.
I am a subscriber of Stiletto Storytime on WordPress
I follow Stiletto Storytime on Twitter (@carlrscott)
I follow Author Michaela MacColl on Twitter (@carlrscott)
I follow Chronicle Books on Twitter (@carlrscott)
I tweeted about this Giveaway. https://twitter.com/#!/carlrscott/status/165577490293735424
Thanks for hosting.
Ha Ha, I’ll look at the date next time *blush*