Her inquires about suffragettes are not welcome - most people, including those of her own sex consider them to be dolally womenand the subject is not deemed appropriate for Hazel's young and sensitive ears. At the beginning of the story, Hazel is living a very sheltered existence indeed: a comfortable townhouse in London with servants, a Very Girly bedroom, a day school for daughters of gentlemen, a father that is In Sugar and a mother - slightly bohemian, vegetarian and spending her days in the Battersea Dogs' Home. As befits a decent coming of age story, there is a crisis (in fact, two crises) that leads to a new level of self-awareness and maturity for the heroine. The event, understandably, makes a strong impression on Hazel and starts her on a journey of discovery that will span the geographical distance between London and The West Indies, and the psychological distance between the sheltered existence of a bourgeois childhood and a much more grown up awareness of a young woman.Ī lot happens in Hazel: despite the main character being quite introspective, the action rolls on at a good speed and with a mixture of humour and heartbreak. It's June 4th, 1913 and a woman in a dark coat steps out in front of the King's horse to be trampled to death.

Hazel is 13 and watching the Epsom Derby with her father.

It is a great yarn, a story to immerse oneself in and enjoy energetic action, sympathetic characters and a satisfactory, fulfilling resolution. It offers a mixture of historical background and age-appropriate psychology. Summary: Any reader above 11, especially a female one aged 11-16 will find this book a stimulating, engaging read.

Hazel by Julie Hearn