In 1944 Spain, after the civil war, Ofelia and her mother, who is pregnant, move to a rural outpost to join Captain Vidal, a sadistic officer of the Francoist army. Ofelia meets a faun in a nearby labyrinth, who tells her she is a princess from an underground kingdom and gives her three tasks. The novel, written with Cornelia Funke, expands on the film, adding fairy tales that shed light on its world and its characters.
Readers of fantasy and historical fiction, particularly those who value the contrast between a child's fantasy and political cruelty, will find a different, deeper way into the story. It suits adults as well as older teenagers.
Balanced in tone; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?
- Language
- ES
