Mollie Hunter Criticism
Mollie Hunter, a notable Scottish author, has made significant contributions to literature for young adults and children through her diverse body of work that includes fantasy, historical novels, and realistic fiction. Her storytelling is deeply influenced by Scottish legend and Celtic myth intertwined with realism, reflecting her profound connection to her Scottish roots. Themes of love, loyalty, and the eternal struggle between good and evil are prevalent in her narratives, all underscored by a humanistic philosophy that celebrates individual potential and resilience. This is explored in depth in The Person Behind the Book—Mollie Hunter.
One of Hunter's renowned works, The Bodach, also published in the U.S. as The Walking Stones, is an exemplary fusion of myth and contemporary issues, capturing spiritual and moral dilemmas amidst modern settings. The novel demonstrates her adeptness at weaving traditional wisdom with the complexities of technological advancements, as discussed in Modern Magic and Ancient Sorcery. Additionally, her semi-autobiographical novel A Sound of Chariots stands as a testament to her skill in modern realistic fiction, portraying a young girl's journey to adulthood with sensitivity and depth. The novel has been highly acclaimed for its authentic depiction of adolescent experiences, as highlighted in Unself-Conscious Voices: Larger Contexts for Adolescents.
Contents
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For Children under Ten: 'The Kelpie's Pearls'
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In the following essay, the critic assesses Mollie Hunter's The Kelpie's Pearls as a well-crafted blend of folklore, character loyalty, and vivid setting, highlighting Hunter's adept use of simple dialogue and rich imagery in a Scottish context.
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Breaking the Rules: Engagement and Extravaganza in Never-Never-Land
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The critic commends Mollie Hunter's The Kelpie's Pearls for its seamless integration of fantasy and realism, effectively portraying natural magic within a modern setting that includes elements like reporters and policemen, while it adeptly spans a range of emotions from humor to fear, culminating in an appeal to recognize enchantment amidst the ordinary.
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The Spanish Letters
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The essay asserts that Mollie Hunter's The Spanish Letters is a fast-paced cloak-and-dagger novel for young readers featuring well-developed characters and suspenseful plot elements typical of the genre, such as hostage situations and secret passages.
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Book Reviews: 'The Spanish Letters'
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In the following essay, Gordon Parsons discusses how Mollie Hunter's The Spanish Letters effectively conveys a realistic depiction of sixteenth-century Edinburgh through its portrayal of the Caddies, while exploring themes of murder, intrigue, and political conspiracy within a credible society.
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Books for Young Readers: 'The Smartest Man in Ireland'
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In the following essay, Ethna Sheehan praises Mollie Hunter's "The Smartest Man in Ireland" as an exhilarating adventure-fantasy infused with Irish charm and humor, while also highlighting its exploration of the cultural belief in "Good People," or Celtic fairies.
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Making the Most of Their Time
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In the following essay, the critic acknowledges Mollie Hunter's storytelling prowess in A Pistol in Greenyards, highlighting her ability to maintain historical integrity while delivering a thrilling narrative that appeals to both young historians and those seeking an engaging story.
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For the Intermediate Library: 'A Pistol in Greenyards'
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The critic highlights A Pistol in Greenyards as a compelling historical narrative that vividly captures the Highland Clearances, portraying the Highlanders' dignity and bravery while acknowledging the less prideful aspects of national heritage.
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Conspiracy
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In the following essay, Margery Fisher contends that Mollie Hunter powerfully utilizes the setting in The Ghosts of Glencoe to vividly recount the 1692 massacre, emphasizing the personal and political motivations in a narrative enriched by historical documents and embodying the spirit of old Scotland.
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For Children from Ten to Fourteen: 'The Ghosts of Glencoe'
(summary)
The critic argues that despite its misleading title, Mollie Hunter's "The Ghosts of Glencoe" is a compelling and vivid depiction of the Glencoe massacre, balancing historical accuracy with narrative creativity.
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Casualties of Change
(summary)
In the following essay, the critic examines Mollie Hunter's "The Ghosts of Glencoe," praising her vivid portrayal of historical figures and her decision to allow the inherent drama of the Glencoe massacre to unfold naturally, though noting a slight diversion from the central tragedy due to character focus.
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Over the Dream Wall
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The critic questions whether Mollie Hunter's Thomas and the Warlock effectively persuades children to believe in its fantastical elements, despite its impressive individual vignettes and traditional Gaelic storytelling style.
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Older Fiction: 'A Pistol in Greenyards'
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In the following essay, Kirkus Service commends Mollie Hunter's "A Pistol in Greenyards" for its evocative depiction of 1854 Scottish estate evictions, praising its dramatic portrayal of landlord duplicity and legal cruelty, while highlighting the narrative's moral stance on self-defense and its rich reflection on personal and cultural resilience.
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Children's Book World: 'A Pistol in Greenyards'
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In the following essay, Edward Fenton critiques A Pistol in Greenyards for its noble intentions but laments that its pedestrian style, stilted dialogue, and simplistic characters reduce what could be a magnificent story to mere melodrama.
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'The Ferlie'
(summary)
In the following essay, Diane G. Stavn appreciates The Ferlie as an engaging fantasy novel that explores the theme of perfection with authentic characters and settings, effectively maintaining the interest of young readers through its grounding in everyday life and concrete details.
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Ordinary and Extraordinary Powers
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The critic evaluates Mollie Hunter's The Ferlie, acknowledging its adherence to traditional storytelling but ultimately finding it lacks the grace and flow necessary for a fairy tale to achieve its full impact.
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Junior High Up: 'The Lothian Run'
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In the following essay, John Signoriello praises Mollie Hunter's novel "The Lothian Run" for its exciting narrative, vivid characterizations, and strong portrayal of the Scottish landscape, noting its appeal for young readers with its engaging plot full of action and adventure.
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Children's Books for Spring: 'The Lothian Run'
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In the following essay, Zena Sutherland praises Mollie Hunter's The Lothian Run as an expertly crafted romantic adventure with historical depth, highlighting Hunter's skill in the genre and emphasizing the novel's suspenseful narrative and well-developed characters.
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Younger Fiction: 'The Walking Stones'
(summary)
The critic praises Mollie Hunter's "The Walking Stones" as a captivating and skillfully told tale that deftly combines elements of fantasy and adventure, focusing on themes of foresight, nature, and the supernatural abilities of individuals with "Second Sight."
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Modern Magic and Ancient Sorcery
(summary)
The critic praises Mollie Hunter's The Bodach for its seamless blend of modern technology and ancient sorcery in a captivating Highland tale, highlighting her ability to craft a compelling narrative that portrays traditional wisdom through the character of the Bodach.
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Magic and Mystery: 'The Walking Stones'
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In the following essay, Jane Yolen explores how Mollie Hunter's The Walking Stones transcends a simple mystery narrative to delve into the profound enigma of Celtic magic, capturing readers with its seamless blend of fantasy and reality.
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For Children from Ten to Fourteen: 'The Bodach'
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The essay highlights Mollie Hunter's adeptness at blending fantasy with reality, emphasizing her skill in crafting magical atmospheres that seamlessly integrate supernatural elements into everyday life, as exemplified in her work "The Bodach," where young readers are drawn into the conflict between traditional and modern beliefs.
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Book Reviews: 'The Lothian Run'
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In the following essay, Gordon Parsons critiques Mollie Hunter's novel, The Lothian Run, noting a disappointing departure from her usual high standard due to thin characterization and mechanical plotting.
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Stories for Older Readers: 'The 13th Member: A Story of Suspense'
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In the following essay, Sheryl B. Andrews praises Mollie Hunter's The 13th Member: A Story of Suspense for its vivid blend of historical detail, supernatural elements, and realistic character relationships, highlighting the author's artistic growth and skillful storytelling.
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The Matter of Witchcraft
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The critic analyzes Mollie Hunter's The Thirteenth Member, highlighting its rich historical context, complex characters, and the seamless integration of witchcraft into a suspenseful narrative set against the backdrop of 1590s Scotland, while praising the depiction of King James VI.
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Children's Books: 'The Haunted Mountain'
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In the following essay, Robert Nye praises Mollie Hunter's "The Haunted Mountain" for its compelling blend of Scottish legend and reality, highlighting its strong moral foundation and the author's ability to juxtapose the mystical with the mundane.
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Celtic Revivals
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The critic examines how Mollie Hunter's The Haunted Mountain weaves traditional fairy tale elements into a novel format, highlighting themes of courage, suffering, and human dignity while maintaining a compelling and accessible narrative.
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At Her Back She Always Heard
(summary)
In the following essay, Eleanor Cameron argues that "A Sound of Chariots" showcases Mollie Hunter's enhanced ability to capture emotion and detail, suggesting that this realism surpasses her fantasy works through its profound depiction of a child's transformative experiences and pursuit of selfhood.
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Junior High Up: 'A Sound of Chariots'
(summary)
In the following essay, Lillian N. Gerhardt criticizes Mollie Hunter's "A Sound of Chariots" for its slow pace, lack of dynamic characters, and a protagonist whose creative development fails to energize the narrative.
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The Gift of the Gab
(summary)
The critic highlights Mollie Hunter's novel A Sound of Chariots as a lyrical yet pragmatic exploration of poetic imagination, blending humor and tragedy, and presenting a compelling narrative that eschews self-pity for a robust depiction of life's complexities.
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Reviews: 'A Sound of Chariots'
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In the following essay, Jill Paton Walsh discusses how Mollie Hunter's A Sound of Chariots poignantly bridges the disparity between real childhood experiences and their portrayal in children's literature, highlighting the book's autobiographical tone and its appeal to mature adolescent readers.
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For Children from Ten to Fourteen: 'A Sound of Chariots'
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The critic examines how A Sound of Chariots by Mollie Hunter incorporates themes from Andrew Marvell's poem "To His Coy Mistress," emphasizing joy, relationships, and mortality within a moral framework, and praises Hunter for addressing grief and joy with power and grace.
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Strains of Mark Twain
(summary)
In the following essay, Susan Cooper argues that Mollie Hunter's "The Stronghold" effectively portrays Druidical magic and tribal rituals through a well-written and original narrative that intertwines the coming-of-age story of Coll with historical themes, avoiding excessive emphasis on violence.
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History with Inventions: 'The Stronghold'
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In the following essay, Eleanor Cameron praises Mollie Hunter's novel "The Stronghold" for its vivid characterization and detailed narrative, emphasizing the author's skillful depiction of vibrant characters amidst historical events.
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Power and Protection
(summary)
In the following essay, Margery Fisher discusses Mollie Hunter's The Stronghold, applauding its detailed depiction of ancient society and arguing that the novel effectively illustrates the innovative conception and construction of the Pictish broch while exploring the cultural tensions between progressive ideas and entrenched superstitions.
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Eleven to Fifteen: 'A Pistol in Greenyards'
(summary)
In the following essay, David Churchill praises Mollie Hunter's novel A Pistol in Greenyards for its vivid portrayal of the eviction of Scottish tenant farmers and the compelling narrative of a young boy's courageous response to such adversity.
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The Last Lord of Redhouse Castle
(summary)
In the following essay, Mollie Hunter reflects on her journey of writing children's literature, emphasizing the integration of Celtic folklore elements into her narratives, the importance of human love as a philosophical cornerstone, and the challenges of crafting historical novels that resonate with young readers by evoking a sense of identity and connection across time.
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Eleven to Fifteen: 'A Stranger Came Ashore'
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In the following essay, Robert Bell praises Mollie Hunter's novel A Stranger Came Ashore for its effective adaptation of style to convey tension and atmosphere, highlighting her use of Shetland folklore to craft a compelling narrative that is likely to succeed among readers.
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'A Stranger Came Ashore'
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The critic highlights how A Stranger Came Ashore enriches a conventional theme through its vivid portrayal of Shetland's scenery and culture, and praises the novel's effective narrative development and its immersive depiction of the island's primitive society.
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Young Adult Non-Fiction: 'Talent Is Not Enough'
(summary)
The critic highlights Mollie Hunter's essays, showcasing her moral considerations for children's literature, her linguistic insights, and her technical analyses of junior fantasy and historical novels, emphasizing her deep research and commitment beyond mere talent.
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Of Interest to Adults: 'Talent Is Not Enough: Mollie Hunter on Writing for Children'
(summary)
In the following essay, Mary M. Burns argues that Mollie Hunter's Talent Is Not Enough serves as a significant and insightful study of the craft of writing for children, combining critical principles with a personal and engaging style that benefits both writers and evaluators of children's literature.
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World Enough and Time: The Work of Mollie Hunter
(summary)
In the following essay, Peter Hollindale argues that Mollie Hunter's work as a Scottish children's author exemplifies a deep engagement with national tradition and historical narrative, while also addressing complex themes such as moral ambiguity and political intrigue, ultimately blending a humane moral intelligence with a dynamic storytelling craft.
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Eleven to Fifteen: 'The Ghosts of Glencoe'
(summary)
In the following essay, Gordon Parsons commends Mollie Hunter's The Ghosts of Glencoe for its engaging narrative and clear characterizations, noting how the novel balances its depiction of historical violence with a pace and moral complexity appropriate for young readers.
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Seven to Eleven: 'The Wicked One'
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In the following essay, Norman Culpan praises Mollie Hunter's novel The Wicked One for its fast-paced action, credible events, and effective use of dry humor, highlighting its engaging tone and style that is both economical and accessible without being patronizing or banal.
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Children's Writers, 3: Mollie Hunter
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In the following essay, Stanley Cook analyzes Mollie Hunter's works, highlighting her transition from historical to supernatural themes, her treatment of witchcraft as a social construct rather than a supernatural truth, and her strengths in folk tales and storytelling, particularly praising "Patrick Kentigern Keenan," "The Bodach," and "The Ghosts of Glencoe."
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Unself-Conscious Voices: Larger Contexts for Adolescents
(summary)
In the following essay, Geraldine DeLuca argues that Mollie Hunter's A Sound of Chariots stands out in children's literature for its autobiographical depth and rich language, effectively capturing adolescent growth and the impact of parental loss while maintaining a narrative comprehensible to young readers.
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The Person Behind the Book—Mollie Hunter
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In the following essay, Janet Hickman explores Mollie Hunter's deep connection to her Scottish heritage, her adept storytelling, and her commitment to passing on stories, highlighting her skill in evoking Scottish settings, integrating folklore and history, and creating passionate, intelligent characters.
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Grades 3-6: 'The Third Eye'
(summary)
In the following essay, Chuck Schacht critiques Mollie Hunter's "The Third Eye" as a work that may resonate with its Scottish setting but lacks a compelling plot and character integration to engage young readers outside its native context.
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The New Books: 'The Third Eye'
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The critic praises Mollie Hunter for her resourceful storytelling in The Third Eye, highlighting its strong character study and community depiction through extended flashbacks and compelling narrative, noting the balance of drama and humor within the Scottish setting.
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Eleven to Fifteen: 'The Third Eye'
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In the following essay, Margaret Meek critiques Mollie Hunter's "The Third Eye" for its compelling narrative texture and portrayal of doom while suggesting that the novel's resolution is undermined by predictability, and the depiction of authority overshadows the more poignant elements reflecting the lives of the poor.
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Generations
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In the following essay, Margery Fisher praises Mollie Hunter's novel The Third Eye as a vividly crafted study of a Scottish family and community in the 1930s, highlighting its expert plot development, authentic character portrayals, and the narrative's compelling exploration of a family secret and a community-affecting tragedy.