A Face Like Glass
Author Frances Hardinge
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Story
In the underground city of Caverna, which nobody is allowed to enter or leave, Neverfell mysteriously appears in the underground tunnels of Grandible the Cheesemaker. She has no memories from her past but, as she grows up, she learns a lot about the art of cheese. On the rare occasions that Grandible has visitors, Neverfell is forced to wear a mask because there is something on her face that others would be horrified to see. In a city where everybody is a perfect liar, will the girl manage to reveal the truth?
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Why we chose it
France Hardinge has written a number of original and inventive novels for children and young adults. Like many of her stories, A Face Like Glass is set in a highly usual fantasy world.
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What a young reviewer said
I really enjoyed this book, as there were lots of twists, especially since some of the characters aren’t what they first seem. (Henry, age 14)
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First published
2012, Macmillan Publishers Ltd
Story Reviews
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Set in Caverna, a city whose inhabitants have to be taught facial expressions, this novel follows Neverfell, a girl whose face is different from everyone else’s, as she navigates the complex web of plots and betrayal between the city’s ruling master craftsmen. I really enjoyed this book, as there were lots of twists, especially since some of the characters aren’t what they first seem. However, I did find the ending a little abrupt.