This story tells of a magical mirror-image of London, called Londra, where pixies and trolls live side by side with humans, and magical objects hold mystic power. Tabetha is a mudlark, who searches in the muddy waters of the river Themse for scraps she can sell . On Christmas Eve, a mysterious stranger asks if she has ever seen a fragment of the long-lost Glass of Lead and Gold, a magical artifact with mysterious powers to make the miserable happy again. Tabetha accepts the help of a waitress in a soup kitchen, and the two embark on an adventure to restore the Glass of Lead and Gold, but they are betrayed and threatened at every turn until the Glass seems to be lost forever.⠀
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I loved the writing style and the way this story is told. The writing itself is magical as it weaves a fairy tale story for the reader. The plot is rather sad and distressing at times, as Tabetha struggles to survive alone on the cold streets of the city, but gradually the story brightens as Tabetha finds friends and begins to start a new life.⠀
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I loved the character arc that Tabetha has from being a street urchin who won't trust anyone, holding all her hurt and misery inside herself, to finally opening up and trusting her new friend, the one-armed waitress. ⠀
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I adore the details of this magical world! I loved reading about the specific types of fairies, pixies, and little Hobs ( tiny men), and trolls, evil watermen, mermaids, and all types of magical creatures. So many lovely and imaginative details of magic and myth that really gave the world-building some depth. ⠀
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For such a short story, it has great development and a full storyline. Loved it from start to finish! #bookstagram #books #fantasy #christmas #corneliafunke #reading #christmasbook
The River Bank friends are getting older, and begin to pass the torch to the younger generation. Badger has his long-lost Grandson, Toad has adopted a distant toad cousin from France as his ward, and Mole has his Nephew to carry on the family traditions. Now Rat hears from an old friend from long ago, the Sea Rat, who needs his help, and all Rat's old feelings of wanting to travel and explore the world come back to haunt him. The River itself is undergoing changes as the modern world begins to encroach on the peaceful river banks.⠀
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My heart is too full. This book broke my heart! Seeing these dear characters, Mole and Ratty, Otter, Toad, and Badger all getting old and frail was so difficult, but a fitting end to their charming stories. And I loved seeing how they pass on their wisdom to the younger folks, and rejoice to see the young people thriving and carrying on the heritage of the River Bank.⠀
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I just adore the writing style, which is so similar to Kenneth Grahame's story-telling style that I can barely tell the difference. It's all old-fashioned charm and grace!⠀
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I love the plot and the new stories for all the River Bankers as they navigate through a new set of problems and adventures. Every plot line kept me interested and engaged with the story!⠀
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I love this whole series so much! #read #bookstagram #windinthewillows #books
