The Opal-Eyed Fan

by Andre Norton

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525364404
• ISBN13: 9780525364405
• Release Date: January 1977
• Publisher: Dutton Books
• Length: 212 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

Part romance novel, part mystery

The novel is a change of pace for readers more familiar with the author's recent science fiction, but Isaac Asimov also wrote mysteries. The setting is 1837. Persis Rooke finds herself shipwrecked and stranded on a Florida key, rescued by a wrecker/salvager of the time period. A contested inheritance, a hostile business rivalry between her savior and another sea captain, and a resident ghost all add to the plot. Life is full of surprises, and Persis encounters her share. Overall, it is a good, well written story. The author does use some archaic terms from the time period. The novel is suitable for students at high school level.

Just plain fun

The Opal-Eyed Fan is one of my favorite Norton books, though it isn't overly endowed with substance, or is even really fantasy. It's romantic suspense, tinged with a bit of the supernatural. And while it might not be particularly intellectually stimulating, it serves a very necessary function as brain candy. It's set in the Florida Keys, quite awhile back when wreckers-- and pirates-- still roamed the waters. Persis Rooke, accompanying her uncle on a mysterious quest involving an old family scandal and a forgotten will, is shipwrecked on Lost Lady Key. Lost Lady Key is the home of her rescuer, the wrecker Crewe Leverett, his sister Lydia, the remnants of an ancient island race, and (as implied in its name) a ghost. Persis is increasingly drawn into the intrigues of the island's inhabitants. What are Lydia and her handsome beau, pirate Ralph Grillon, planning? What does Ralph Grillon want from Persis? And what is the significance of the strange false fan that keeps turning up in Persis' possession? Perhaps a little conventional, but still great fun. It has its high points; the take on wreckers, who are often represented unfavorably, is particularly interesting. Recommended for all who like swashbuckling, pirates, adventure, and a nice dash of romance. If this heady mixture sounds appealing, it's worth the effort to find a copy (although it will be necessary to ignore the dreadfully dated cover). For another great swashbuckler, also try Andre Norton and Rosemary Edghill's recent The Shadow of Albion. Ailanna