Mccaffrey Enchanting Once Again

Anne McCaffrey fans, take heart. She has written another wonderful fantasy! Unfortunately it is not one of the Pern books, but it still has her great writing. “An Exchange of Gifts” is a short and captivating novel.

The book tells the story of Princess Anastasia, who calls herself Meanne.

Meanne has a special gift for growing plants. Her gift, however, is not considered proper for a princess.

Meanne runs away from her father and an unwanted suitor to a little abandoned cottage. Here she uses her gift, which she was never allowed to practice when she lived as a princess.

A runaway boy named Wisp stumbles upon the cottage, too, and Meanne allows Wisp to share her home.

Together they make their way into the world. However, both of the fugitives have hidden pasts and secrets which can either bring them together or tear them and their new lives apart.

Anne McCaffrey has written an enchanting story with all her normal attributes: great writing and a pleasant story line.

She also adds a small sense of mystery.

The illustrations, by Pat Morrissey, also add to the story. They make the book look and feel a little more like a fantasy.

Ninety pages may seem a little short for a novel (especially since a few of the pages are illustrated) but it seems to me this book is still complete.

It is one that I wished hadn’t ended so soon.