Reading this collection of short stories by one of the
finest writers of fantasy and science fiction, I was
struck by how often the author Andre Norton drew upon
cultural themes and fables. TALES FROM HIGH HALLACK: Book
Three, covers her works from 1996 - 2005 and right from
the start we meet Vikings, Four Corners Natives, Celts and
a twist on the story of the Frog Prince.
Andre Norton was a Grand Master of the Science Fiction and
Fantasy Writers of America, and her publisher Tom Doherty
has collected her tales from sixty years of writing, until
her death in 2005. She often wrote for young adults, and
featured cats in many tales; she may be best known for her
WitchWorld series of novels.
Herne's Lady tells of a young woman who fails to attract a
husband in the London marriage mart, but inherits a manor
house and becomes a good steward of the people and woods.
Someone older dwells in the woodland, and the locals
mutter superstitions. Is the lady of the manor in danger,
or under protection?
No Folded Hands introduces Julian Bearclaw and other
tribal language speakers, who use their code talk and
shaman skills to help them against invading aliens.
The Outling is one I particularly enjoyed: a village
midwife and healer adopts a shapechanger girl cub, but if
the village ever learns that the growing child is not
entirely human, all will be lost.
Needle And Dream bears a resonance with the quilting
stories in modern books; a girl stitching her marriage-
piece on a quilting frame is told that the lore and love
she sews into her quilt may be needed to protect her
village from the Dark.
Three Inch Trouble shows Raven, a brave spaceship's cat,
who knows that it's his job to rid the ship of pesky
pests, even if they bite!
Anyone who enjoys fantasy and science fiction will have a
good time with this varied collection of short tales,
which is suitable for young adults or adults. The top-
quality writing means that the style of each story alters
with the setting and speech of the characters, bringing
each gem individually to life. TALES FROM HIGH HALLACK is
a great way to get to know Andre Norton's work.
In the third and final volume of High Hallack, tales of
high
fantasy, science fiction, and coming of age reach back as
far as 1943, yet are still as fresh and relevant today as
when they were written. High Hallack was a place in Andre
Norton’s fiction and was also the name of the genre
writer’s
library she opened in Tennessee. It is a wondrous keep
that
she called home, and now High Hallack opens its gates and
allows these amazing stories to unfold.
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