Kolosov, Jacqueline. A Sweet Disorder. Disney Hyperion Books, 2009. 418 pages. $16.99. ISBN 1423112458
Readers Annotation: After the death of her father, and a stint with the insufferable countess, Miranda arrives in Queen Elizabeth’s court and soon becomes a favored embroiderer.
Plot Summary: Sent to live with the somber countess of Turbery, the wife of her late father’s cousin, Miranda’s dreams of marrying the man she once loved are shattered. At Turbery, the beautiful embroidery Miranda is skilled in creating is looked down on, the days are spent reading of pious women, and the food is bland. It is soon discovered that the wishes of Miranda’s guardians are to see her married to a wealthy man of the court. The countess forces a horrid Seagram on Miranda, but soon she discovers what Seagram is truly like. While at court, Miranda’s talent with needle and thread are quickly noticed and soon after, Queen Elizabeth gives her the task of recreating her mother, Anne Boleyn’s coronation gown. The court is not without its scandals, and it seems that Miranda is at the heart of them. As everything seems to be going wrong in Miranda’s life, she is rewarded with one wish from the queen when she sees her completed gown. Miranda’s choice will change her life, and hopefully she’ll find the true love she’d hoped for.
Critical Evaluation: Another representation of the Virgin Queen’s life at court, A Sweet Disorder is an interesting tale for those who are interested in the drama of court. All the books I’ve read that take place in Elizabeth’s court involve much in the way of fashion, reflecting Elizabeth’s own passion. This book is one of the more believable stories, involving the real plight of being a woman who is given no say in her future. I was captivated by Miranda and how she would manage her life, despite all the grief she faced at the beginning. I thought the story followed what seems to be the framework for romantic historical fiction, something tragic spurs the main character to have to prove herself among the elite while catching the attention of many a suitor, but in the end allowing her to marry her true love and slip out of the monarch’s attention unharmed. I would recommend this to teens who enjoy teenage drama with an historic twist.
Reading Level: The reading and interest level of this book is best suited for high school age readers.
Book talk ideas: I would read the prologue because it reflects the issues for women in that era. I would talk about the importance of a sizable dowry in order to have a comfortable life and marriage in those days. I would also mention that, as in other books like The Stolen One, Queen Elizabeth placed much importance on fashion.
Why it is included: I chose this book because it was just released and found it similar to other books I chose for the project. I was interested in how it compared to books of a similar topic.
Challenge Ideas: I’m not sure what about this book would be controversial in all honesty.
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