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A Princess Of Roumania by Paul Park
01/07/2006 . Source: Shaun Green 
pub: TOR. 368 page hardback. Price: $24.95 (US), $32.95 (CAN). ISBN: 0-765-31096-1. Buy A Princess Of Roumania in the USA - or Buy A Princess Of Roumania in the UK  check out website: www.tor.com
Miranda Popescu was raised by her step-parents in Massachusetts and has no memory of her childhood in Romania. She only retains a small collection of items from that long-forgotten life but Miranda is significant in a way that she can only imagine. In another world, the empire of Roumania is waning, its magic and superstitions fading before the science and rationality of Germany. Miranda is the sole free survivor of the lineage of the white tiger. At the very least, she represents a symbol of great potency to Roumania and its enemies. But Miranda has been hidden away by Aegypta Schenck von Schenck, a mystic and conjurer, unknowingly waiting for the right time to return.
The Roumanian Baroness Nicola Ceausescu has learned of Miranda's location and her agents have spread across both worlds in search of the girl. Yet although Miranda is unaware of her importance and the threats she will soon face, she has two strong friends who she can rely on. Peter Gross is a contemplative boy with only one arm, an outsider who appreciates solitude and the poetry his mother taught him. Andromeda is an attractive, effervescent but compassionate girl with a variably deep understanding of Miranda.
The Baroness Ceausescu sets events in motion that alter the lives of Miranda and her friends beyond recognition, drawing them into an unknown world. At the same time as they struggle to survive, the Baroness fights her own battles in Bucharest. She is bewildered by Aegypta's plans, frustrated by her own lack of understanding, spurned by the Roumanian Empress who detests her and hounded by German ambassadors and diplomats.
Comparison with the big names of young adult-oriented fantasy is inevitable. I'm happy to say that Park's prose is excellent, far beyond the merely adequate and pedestrian writing of some YA writers. His storytelling lacks the addictive and compelling secret ingredient (literary MSG?) of Rowling or Pullman, but the depth of this novel and the blend of alternate history he has created conjures a charm and sense of presence that carries the reader even when the story ebbs.
The star of this book is, unexpectedly, the woman who initially appears to be a stereotypical antagonist. Over the course of the many chapters written from her perspective, the reader will come to sympathise with the plight of the Baroness, who is far more isolated than Miranda. Although a villain and a murderer, she is drawn with great sensitivity. The depth of Park's writing is carried into all aspects of this novel, from the history to the characters and the dialogue and it's an impressive achievement.
Apparently, 'A Princess of Roumania' is the first book of four. I wasn't aware of this when reading as it's not indicated anywhere obvious in the edition I reviewed, but I'm glad to hear it. I initially found the ending very disappointing as the conclusion lacks a real sense of resolution beyond the punishment of one antagonist. As the first book in a series, it works better. Although still lacking, it certainly leaves one wanting to read more. There is much more to the tales of Roumania, Miranda and the Baroness and I'm glad that these stories will be told.
Shaun Green
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