When Imogen (Immy) and her parents move to England, so that her mother can work in a Cambridgeshire hospital, they need to find somewhere to live. Immy’s mother has a special place in mind: thatched cottage, garden, close to the school and in a village setting. When they find the perfect place, they have no idea they will be sharing their home with a malevolent, and perhaps dangerous, ancient mulberry tree. Being logical, scientific people, Immy’s parents refuse to believe the local legend that says the tree steals girls from their homes, on the eve of their eleventh birthday. Immy is not so sure. As her eleventh birthday draws closer, she begins to think that there is truth in the story. It’s as if the tree not only understands what she is saying but is also reacting to her. It’s as if the tree has feelings; most of them savagely angry ones.

In today’s world, magical things like this aren’t supposed to happen. And yet, Immy and her parents find themselves in a small English village, which has been shaped by the legend of the Mulberry tree. Superstitions and myths can have a powerful, life-changing effect on people.

The beauty of this story is that Immy discovers there are some things – love and forgiveness – which can overcome the dark forces around them.

Reviewed by Wendy Noble
Age Guide 10+