I, Coriander: Summary and book reviews of I, Coriander by Sally Gardner, plus links to an excerpt from I, Coriander and a biography of Sally Gardner.

Coriander Hobie, born in 1643, has a remarkable tale to tell -- the tale of a childhood touched by unexplained bits of wonder, but too soon marked by tragedy. After her beloved mother dies and her father is forced to flee London, Coriander is left at the mercy of a stepmother full of cruelty. In the very nick of time, Coriander finds that she has somehow managed to transport herself to a land of fairies, and there she discovers what she has always suspected: that her mother was from a more magical world than grimy old London. And that she herself has inherited some of her mother's mysterious abilities - abilities that she now has a desperate need to master. Be prepared to be swept away by atmospheric writing that casts a lasting spell. Sally Gardner's prose is exquisitely beautiful and her story and characters enthralling. She has written a rare and glorious book.

BookBrowse

December 2005 was a very special month for Sally Gardner - the month I, Corinder, her first book for older children, won the Nestle Children's Book Prize in the 9-11 years category. Not bad for a woman who was written off as "unteachable" and sent to a school for maladjusted children because she was so profoundly dyslexic.  (Reviewed by BookBrowse Review Team).

Full Review (439 words).

Media Reviews

Publishers Weekly Seamlessly meshing fact and fantasy, the author composes a suspenseful masterpiece that will have audience members gladly suspending their disbelief. Ages 10-up.   Kirkus Reviews Deft and dulcet language, a cast of supporters not the least of whom is Coriander's loving stepsister Hester, and the tie to a grim historical season will hold readers fast.   Sunday Times - Amanda Craig This is a classic new novel by an author who has written a rich fairytale for our times.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by Holly
Made me cry
This is one of the best books I have ever read. I picked this up at the book fair with little knowing how Sally Gardner would take us through the life of a girl with a heart wrenching story. This book is expertly written; and I think this book...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Abinaya
Awesome!!
I believe this is a very good book because I find the way they embed fantasy, history, magic, romance and mystery altogether fascinating. Especially, it has been ages since I have read a book set in the 1600's. An interesting MUST READ book! a...   Read More

Rated of 5 by sumaya
i coriander
I Coriander was very good story because it tell about how Coriander's life was after her mum had died, and a new world that she found out her mum was from. It also tells that her dad had to run away because he help prisoner escape and she is left...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Hannah
I coriander
This book is an excellent read and will grip you right until the end. I have read it three times now and still not bored of it. I would recommend it to anyone who loves mystery, romance and thriller all rolled into one because this is your book. :D

Rated of 5 by isabel
I, Coriander
it was a very touching and emotional book and i would read it all over again

Rated of 5 by Hollie
I corriander the best book I have ever read
I have just finished Reading this fascinating book it is a brilliant story that keeps you interested. Once you have started this book you are instantly into it; it's not like one of those books you read halfway, and then it gets really boring, so...   Read More

...26 More Reader Reviews

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Books with similar themes

• Children's Books Ages 9 up
  
• UK (Britain) & Ireland 
  
• 17th Century or Earlier 
  
• 1st Books/1st Novels 
  
• Magical or Supernatural Elements