About This Book
Reach for this book when you have a young reader who is ready to move beyond basic fairy tales and explore the darker, more psychological side of fantasy. This story is perfect for children who are fascinated by the 'origin stories' of villains and the way objects can hold onto history and secrets. Set in an eerie, atmospheric version of Oxford, it follows two art collectors whose dinner conversation reveals a chilling connection to a mysterious portrait and a bronze monkey. While the book is a short story, it carries a sophisticated weight that invites deep discussion about obsession, the nature of evil, and the things people leave behind. It serves as a fantastic bridge into Philip Pullman's larger 'His Dark Materials' universe, though it stands alone as a Victorian-style ghost story. Parents will appreciate the elegant prose and the way it introduces complex themes of destiny and character without being overly graphic, making it ideal for the 10 to 16 age range.
