The Ten Thousand Doors of January

May 6, 2019
Harrow imbues her debut, set primarily in early-20th-century Vermont, as well as in an alternative world called the City of Nin, with genealogical mystery. The immensely wealthy William Cornelius Locke employs Julian Scaller as a plunderer of valuable artifacts, a job that prevents Julian from being a proper parent to his daughter, January. To fill the void left by January’s traveling father and her mother, whose absence is initially unexplained, Locke ensconces January in his mansion as his ward. January discovers that she has the power to write words that open doors leading to other worlds, including the City of Nin. Throughout the novel, Harrow quotes at excessive length from The Ten Thousand Doors, a book Julian owns, and January gradually discerns a connection between her own life and that of Adelaide Lee Larson, a character in Doors. Harrow weaves in commentary on race: Julian is black and January’s mother is white, and, in a clever inversion, in one of the worlds January visits, everyone is black and racism is nonexistent. Harrow’s novel will hold strong appeal to readers who enjoy portal fantasies featuring adventuresome women. Agent: Kate McKean, Morhaim Literary.

January LaVoy's breathtaking narration shines in a fantasy in which Doors offer infinite possibilities for adventure. January Scaller is a daring and bold "in-between" girl who feels like another foreign curiosity in Mr. Locke's home. She lives for her father's brief returns from his travels, when he brings his employer new treasures. She is 7 in 1901 when she discovers a marvel--a Door to another world--and then is punished severely. Listeners hear January growing timid and biddable to suit Mr. Locke. It's not until she discovers a hidden book that she realizes the true potential of Doors, along with her own. LaVoy's theatrical skills delight as she narrates January's thrilling story of fantastical characters and new worlds--and the tale hidden within the pages of her book. E.E.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine