The Star of Kazan

Fiction by Eva Ibbotson
Reviewed by Susan D.
Not in the NVHS collection as of this post


Priceless gems stolen. A secret plot. A corrupt mother. The Star of Kazan, by Eva Ibbotson, is one story you won’t want to miss. This book with crazy twists and turns will keep you entranced in its corridors of excitement and humor. It will keep the most energetic child in its grasp.

Annika is the typical orphaned child left at a building to be found by some caring person to take her. She is found by a pair of loving cooks and easily makes friends, yet always dreams of her lost mother. One day, Annika’s mother shows up as everything a child could dream of: rich, beautiful, and high in society. Things are not all as they seem, with a friendly gypsy boy, a stolen suitcase, valuable gems, and stories crisscrossing everywhere, to form an adventurous mystery story.

This story was different from most, although, at first, it seemed very predictable. It was very easy to read, but rather long, and nice for someone who is feeling lazy but in the mood for a good book. Ibbotson makes excellent use of flashbacks, so that the characters know something that you won’t until exactly the right moment. The book may be hard to understand, at times, because of its German dialect. It also has elements of reality in it, since it takes place in Vienna, makes references to historical people, and includes the famous white Lippizaner horses. The Star of Kazan would be a good book for girls or boys who are learning to read and want to improve their skills, as well as advanced readers who would just like a good book. This book was very interesting; it is one I will read again and again.