Readers looking for pure escapism will find an ample portion of it in this novel about a young girl growing into adulthood [The Spanish Smile]. Award-winning novelist Scott O'Dell has not created an ordinary young girl as heroine of the latest of his impressive (Island of the Blue Dolphins, Sarah Bishop) children's books….

The novel features a wide diversity of characters, some innocent and admirable, others entirely corrupted. This diversity adds interest and color to this exotic story. Although improbable and unrealistic, this book will provide enjoyable, though largely frivolous, reading.