The Goose Girl

Books of Bayern

Content Ratings

Mild Romance

Ani's growing connection with a young soldier in the kingdom is emotionally warm and builds toward a gentle romantic resolution; the relationship is sweet and age-appropriate.

Mild Themes

Themes of identity, the courage to speak truth against powerful liars, and discovering one's own voice after being silenced are central and beautifully handled.

Mild Violence

The betrayal and near-murder of Ani, political danger at court, and a climactic confrontation create tension; violence is handled in a fairy tale register.

Synopsis

Princess Ani—a girl with the rare ability to speak to birds and wind—is betrayed by her own lady-in-waiting on the way to her arranged marriage in a foreign kingdom and must take refuge as a common goose girl while trying to find a way to reveal the truth about who she is. A beautifully written fairy tale retelling full of lyrical language and genuine emotional depth. The first Books of Bayern novel.