I've decided to do a quick review of this, another book from the school library of my youth, because I'm currently reading a similar but more adult book, Jean M. Auel's 'The Clan of the Cave Bear', and it brought back memories.
I remember enjoying 'Star Dancer', despite having quite a lot of reservations with its content. Its heart lies in the protagonist, Tegen (I love that name), who is a free-spirited and outspoken young girl for her time - in an age when villages were governed by druids who divined from signs and spirits (the story is set in Britain during the Iron Age, presumably). Tradition and superstition are the only ways of life.
Despite being hated by her village for being a girl apparently prophesised to save them all from evil, Tegen is a likeable and charismatic main lead who loves to dance and cast spells using her "magic" green shawl.
There are few likeable supporting characters, and they end up dead at some point. To think that there were so many judgemental and narrowminded people in small communities past, and the child cruelty and misogyny are shocking. Also, even as a child reading 'Star Dancer', I was put off by the problematic portrayal of a mentally-disabled character; most especially when I read what happens to him in the end. Even though the book is set in a time when mental illness was highly stigmatised, and rare, since most babies not born "perfect" were abandoned and left to die.
Fair warning, 'Star Dancer' is raw in its presentation of a cruel and backward society. YA or not, it doesn't hold back.
But what made a positive impression on me, besides Tegen, was the writing and prose. 'Star Dancer' is very intense and frightening for a book for younger readers; but, like with the opposed villagers versus Tegen, it is simultaneously magical and euphoric in its descriptions of the cold, harsh highlands and the practices of the druids. The author clearly did her research.
I felt for Tegen. I was holding my breath with her throughout her external and internal struggles and battles with her family, the adult village people, and her Star Dancer tasks: the overall burden of her destiny. Boy or girl, she is special, she is a fighter. There is enough humour and self-awareness in 'Star Dancer' to balance out the mostly meanspirited mood projected by the customs, dialogue and actions of the majority of the characters.
So despite a lot of uncomfortable moments backed up by a few unfortunate implications, 'Star Dancer' is a good emotionally-and-ethically-challenging read. A stimulating and captivating rollercoaster ride with an icy but still beating heart. It will keep you guessing what is going to happen next, and you'll want the heroine to succeed in confronting her numerous and diverse obstacles.
Look to the stars, and inside yourself, to envision the path of your destiny.
Final Score: 3/5
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