Description
Book SynopsisTitle re-release ahead of US and UK sequel release in July 2019 On the death of her master, Letta is suddenly promoted from apprentice to wordsmith, charged with collecting and archiving words in post-apocalyptic, neo-medieval Ark. When she uncovers a sinister plan to suppress language and rob the people of Ark of the power of speech, she realises that she has to save not only words, but the culture itself. Speculative fiction with a powerful political premise WINNER of a White Raven from the International Youth Library Shortlisted for the Children’s Books Ireland Awards
Trade Review`The fantasy book of the year.’ – Eoin Colfer, bestselling author of Artemis Fowl; `A novel that truly stands apart for its originality and relevance… a book about words, about language, about their power to civilise – and, in the wrong hands, to abuse and dehumanise. For a writer to deal with such themes it is the most basic of requirements that she herself should handle words in a manner which exploits their potential richness and resonance. Forde rises magnificently to the challenge’ – The Irish Times; `The Wordsmith is warm, original, thought-provoking but most of all a tremendous page-turner; I hope this won’t be the last we hear of Letta, a brave and spirited heroine’ – School Library Association; `[A] gripping postapocalyptic thriller… it is a well-crafted page-turner, as well as a compelling commentary on censorship and the role of language, while also inviting discussion about what distinguishes humans from animals. For dystopian fiction aficionados, this well-paced entry offers plenty of food for thought.’ – School Library Journal; It is a salutary story, a powerful story and a story that I highly recommend and thoroughly enjoyed. Patricia Forde is great new voice to look out for.’ – Armadillo Children’s Book Magazine
