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Gypsy Princess
A young girl’s dreary stay with her grandmother is brightened when she discovers an old gypsy wagon and attempts to discover the identity of the gypsy princess for whom it was intended years before.
- GenresFiction
90 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1969
31 people want to read
About the author
Rosalie K. Fry
38 books27 followersRosalie K. Fry was born on Vancouver Island. She made her home in Swansea, South Wales. During World War II she was stationed in the Orkney Islands, where she was employed as a Cypher Officer in the Women’s Royal Service. She wrote many stories and executed many drawings for a variety of children’s magazines in Great Britain. She was also known as a maker of children’s toys.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 1, 2019
When ten-year-old Zilda comes upon a seemingly abandoned gypsy caravan in an old storage mews, she discovers a source of enchantment that offers some consolation for the dreariness of her grandmother's house. As she and her friend Robert learn the story of the caravan, they become determined to solve the mystery of the "gypsy princess" for whom it was intended...
As I mentioned in my review of Ruth M. Arthur's An Old Magic , the Romany pop up with depressing regularity in children's fiction, usually in the guise of fascinating but slightly dangerous exotics, or as romanticized bohemians. In the latter half of the twentieth century they also began to appear as "misunderstood" victims of ignorance and prejudice, imbued by their (non-Romany) creators with a kind of tragic but impenetrable nobility that is reminiscent of the characterization of Native Americans in some American literature. But whether drawn in a hostile or sympathetic light, these Romany characters are almost invariably portrayed from the outside, and therefore function as the "other," providing a colorful sort of counter-point to the more "settled" main character or characters.
I found that this short novel, which at 90 pages is really more of a chapter book, fell somewhere in the middle of this spectrum. On the one hand, Fry is clearly sympathetic to her subject, and she is careful to have an adult authority figure point out that gypsies are a misunderstood people, who like any other group, comprise both good and bad individuals. A not-so-insignificant statement given that Gypsy Princess was published in 1969. But it seems odd that Fry chose to use the term "gypsy" so prominently, as she also employs the more correct "Romany," a clear indication that she is familiar (somewhat) with her topic. More importantly, while the resolution of the story makes for a very neat narrative climax, it places the issues of identity and community second to the question of ownership, and paradoxically maintains the Romany as the "other."
While this was a pleasant enough read, with pleasant but unremarkable illustrations, it lacks the power to stir the emotions or stimulate the intellect. In short, unlike some other Fry titles, I do not mourn the fact that it is out-of-print, and I would really only recommend it to people interested in the portrayal of the Romany in children's literature. Sounds like a fascinating essay topic!
As I mentioned in my review of Ruth M. Arthur's An Old Magic , the Romany pop up with depressing regularity in children's fiction, usually in the guise of fascinating but slightly dangerous exotics, or as romanticized bohemians. In the latter half of the twentieth century they also began to appear as "misunderstood" victims of ignorance and prejudice, imbued by their (non-Romany) creators with a kind of tragic but impenetrable nobility that is reminiscent of the characterization of Native Americans in some American literature. But whether drawn in a hostile or sympathetic light, these Romany characters are almost invariably portrayed from the outside, and therefore function as the "other," providing a colorful sort of counter-point to the more "settled" main character or characters.
I found that this short novel, which at 90 pages is really more of a chapter book, fell somewhere in the middle of this spectrum. On the one hand, Fry is clearly sympathetic to her subject, and she is careful to have an adult authority figure point out that gypsies are a misunderstood people, who like any other group, comprise both good and bad individuals. A not-so-insignificant statement given that Gypsy Princess was published in 1969. But it seems odd that Fry chose to use the term "gypsy" so prominently, as she also employs the more correct "Romany," a clear indication that she is familiar (somewhat) with her topic. More importantly, while the resolution of the story makes for a very neat narrative climax, it places the issues of identity and community second to the question of ownership, and paradoxically maintains the Romany as the "other."
While this was a pleasant enough read, with pleasant but unremarkable illustrations, it lacks the power to stir the emotions or stimulate the intellect. In short, unlike some other Fry titles, I do not mourn the fact that it is out-of-print, and I would really only recommend it to people interested in the portrayal of the Romany in children's literature. Sounds like a fascinating essay topic!
April 13, 2017
When Zilda and her friend Robert go exploring, they discover and old carriage house. One of the items in storage is an old gypsy wagon that Zilda falls in love with. As she learns of the history behind the wagon, Zilda becomes even more attracted to it.
This is a truly delightful story.
This is a truly delightful story.
September 6, 2022
This is another lovely book I've read by Rosalie Fry, with an almost fairy tale ending that leaves one feeling so happy and satisfied. One thing I love about several of her books is the theme of moving from the noisy city to a lovely countryside setting with birds, trees and flowers all around. It brings a lovely picture to my mind and I almost feel I am there with little Zilda in the lovely glade with the ornate caravan to enjoy. Another good read on Open Library...
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews