Isabella and the Tale of the Unanswered Question

This whimsical and inspired debut cleverly disguises deep philosophical questions with a YA-style fantasy adventure. Dutiful, quiet Isabella is burdened with a nagging secret and nightmares. After encountering revelers near her forest home (the precise setting is left unclear), Isabella begins to question her mundane life. A telepathic raven offers Isabella a choice that leads her to a kingdom where people, animals, and even the river can read her mind. She delights in royal accommodations until the king tells her she must find a book that will save the land from dark forces. Meanwhile, a present-day story line follows the treatment of a comatose woman. Intricate characters and dream sequences are continually introduced, leading readers to wonder what’s real, imaginary, or metaphorical. Whittaker delivers wisdom with style in this brilliant examination of the consequences of choices, and readers may begin to question their own deepest secrets and dreams. (BookLife)