Description
Cynthia, an 11-year-old American, isn't entirely happy with her life, comfortable though it is. Still, even she knows that she shouldn't talk to strangers. So when her mysterious neighbour Miss Hatfield asked her in for a chat and a drink, Cynthia wasn't entirely sure why she said yes. It was a decision that was to change everything.
For Miss Hatfield is immortal. And now, thanks to a drop of water from the Fountain of Youth, Cynthia is as well. But this gift might be more of a curse, and it comes with a price. Cynthia is beginning to lose her personality, to take on the aspects of her neighbour. She is becoming the next Miss Hatfield.
But before the process goes too far, Cynthia must travel back in time to turn-of-the-century New York and steal a painting, a picture which might provide a clue to the whereabouts of the source of immortality. A clue which must remain hidden from the world. In order to retrieve the painting, Cynthia must infiltrate a wealthy household, learn more about the head of the family, and find an opportunity to escape. Before her journey is through, she will also have - rather reluctantly - fallen in love. But how can she stay with the boy she cares for, when she must return to her own time before her time-travelling has a fatal effect on her body? And would she rather stay and die in love, or leave and live alone?
And who is the mysterious stranger who shadows her from place to place? A hunter for the secret of immortality - or someone who has already found it?
A spellbinding debut from a hugely talented young author, featuring time-travel, 19th-century New York, unrequited love and a mysterious portrait...
About the Author
Anna Caltabiano was born in British colonial Hong Kong and educated in Mandarin Chinese schools before moving to Palo Alto, California; the mecca of futurism. She lives down the street from Facebook in the town where its founders reside, along with the pioneers of Google and Apple. Caltabiano's high school classmates are themselves an eclectic mix: the lost offspring of ultra-wealthy Silicon Valley magnates, aspirational internet entrepreneurs and Stanford philosophy professors.
Reviews
17 year old Anna Caltabiano writes a romance that is amusing, enjoyable to read and doesn't slip into prose such as 'he took my roughly and crushed me to his chiselled chest * Starburst Magazine *
To me the book was an allegory of losing one's childhood and Anna Caltabiano does it beautifully. The Seventh Miss Hatfield" is as enchanting as Harry Potter and has a rich adventure laden plot. It will make you laugh and cry, often at the same time * Elder Park Book Reviews *
This book is a very good historical romance. It has some excellent character building, some great relationships and some very neat, elegant writing that really works * Fangs for the Fantasy *
I have to once again say that I am impressed with the story, and especially the level of it, the characterization and dialogues feel just as they would have to be in real-life, completely natural and not forced at all * The Book Plank *
The Seventh Miss Hatfield is a gentle and engaging story that unfolds through the narration of its central character, Cynthia, who, for reasons you will learn in the book, becomes the character of the title. A plot involving time travel and immortality follows, although the story emphasis remains on the characters and their interaction. * SF Book *
This is Anna Caltabiano's second novel, written by the age of seventeen! She should be praised for a light and enjoyable Victorian tale, with a dash of fantasy. * Curiosity Killed the Bookworm *
CALTABIANO INVOKES TIME TRAVEL AND IMMORTALITY TO PLACE AN ENGAGING HEROINE AT THE CENTER OF A GRIPPING STORY * The Big Issue *
Book Information
ISBN 9781473200418
Author Anna Caltabiano
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Gollancz
Publisher Orion Publishing Co
Weight(grams) 272g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 130mm * 23mm
