I thought from the blurb that this would be a realistic children's book rather like Streatfeild's "Circus Shoes," or Paterson's "The Master Puppeteer." But it is entirely fantasy, based on Czech folklore and legend, with good witches battling a Svengali-like villain, who uses hypnotism and magic to manipulate human beings like marionettes.

Very well written, and with copious notes by the author discussing Czech names and terms, and the legends on which the story is based.

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