My review will seem spoilery to you - and skip it if you are concerned - but if you are so concerned, I advise you skip all reviews, as this is a difficult book to talk about without giving away some of the effect.

Unfortunate covers - it's not a ghost story, as the Avon Camelot implies, nor is it as boring as my edition implies. There's nothing magical or paranormal in the story at all. But the writing is magical. The way we learn Lucie's story, peeling back the layers of imagination that she's cloaked herself in, is enchanting. And the end - well, I was running out of pages and wondering how on earth Cassedy would bring the story to a close and then Bang! there it was and it's perfect.

So, what cover would work? Maybe a little china doll writing a (too big for her) letter? Maybe just an envelope addressed to Lucie? Maybe a creative juxtaposition of the beach and Norwood Hall? I don't think there should be any people, or the dollhouse.

Anyway, I also like how Cassedy very subtly enables us to realize that Miss Pimm and the other girls are to be pitied - in a way, despite how mean they are to Lucie, they are even more miserable.

And I think I'll have to re-read [b:Behind the Attic Wall|831842|Behind the Attic Wall |Sylvia Cassedy|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1178748078s/831842.jpg|817492]. ( )

Very creative! I enjoyed the twists and turns. I'm still puzzling over parts of it. I really felt for the poor little girl. I think this would be great for a discussion group. ( )