Dalkey, Kara

Dalkey, Kara (1953– ),
American writer of fantasy novels for children and adults. In The Nightingale (1988), Dalkey refashions ‘The Nightingale’ by Denmark's Hans Christian Andersen into a novel rich in poetry and ghosts, set in 9th‐century Heian Japan. The role of the nightingale is played by a young peasant girl whose beautiful voice captivates the Emperor and his court. Although deviating in particulars from Andersen's rendition of the tale (set in China, not Japan), Dalkey stays true to the spirit of the story, creating a poignant, lyrical work of fantasy fiction.

Terri Windling