The Golden Hour

March 22, 2004
Mad TV
writer Williams makes her children's book debut with this entertaining novel about a pair of siblings who go back in time. Thirteen-year-old Rowan and 11-year-old Nina have been sent to stay with their eccentric great-aunts in Maine after their mother is killed by a drunk driver. The elderly sisters run a small curiosity shop, stocked to the hilt with unusual items; among them, Nina (a prodigy pianist) discovers an original Beethoven composition that the world has never seen. Soon Rowan and Nina befriend twins, a boy and girl who introduce them to the town's old hotel. Rowan's great-aunt warns him away from the place, citing strange occurrences and referring to the hotel as a "portal." Of course, the four young people enter the hotel (which is accessible only during "the golden hour" just before sunset and "the silver hour" at sunrise) and come upon the "alleviator," an elevator of sorts that will transport them to any year and locale they choose—but only for seven days. When Nina turns up missing, Rowan suspects her destination and soon the other three are on their way to Paris in 1789. The plot grows rather murky as the children take different places within French society just before Bastille Day. But readers may well enjoy the spirited adventure that follows, culminating in a predictable but touching finale (involving Nina and her mother). Action-packed and laden with good-natured humor, Williams's tale is a journey worth taking. Ages 9-14.

A high-intensity fantasy set in the mysterious village of Owatannauk, Maine, is notable for something too little seen in YA fantasy, two African- American characters. Rowan and Nina have been sent to stay with two eccentric aunts after the death of their mother. Right away they discover an old hotel that seems to come alive twice a day and may harbor the secrets of time itself. Kevin Free gives voice to the appealing children. Despite their grief, they never come across as cloying or bratty. Throughout their adventures the children encounter other times and places, which Free handles with a delicate touch that blends with the story beautifully and never overpowers it. Altogether a successful combination of entertaining storytelling and empathetic performance. D.G. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine