"A feminist fairy-tale, which I recommend if you're looking for a Christmas present for a teenage girl...A wondrously intricate book, and a witty attack on the patriarchy, this is an instant classic." (Rachel Cooke, an Observer Book of the Year. From the author who brought you The Encyclopedia of Early Earth comes another Epic Tale of Derring-Do. Prepare to be dazzled once more by the overwhelming power of stories and see Love prevail in the face of Terrible Adversity! You will read of betrayal, loyalty, madness, bad husbands, lovers both faithful and unfaithful, wise old crones, moons who come out of the sky, musical instruments that won't stay quiet, friends and brothers and fathers and mothers and above all, many, many sisters.