Synopsis/Review: Nalia goes to bed a princess and wakes up a pauper in Eilis O'Neal's debut novel The False Princess. Nalia has spent her life in the palace of Thorvaldor. Her best friend is the son of an Earl and she has received the best education her country has to offer. Then one day she is called to a meeting with her parents where she is informed that her parents are not actually her parents and she is not really Nalia! She is actually Sinda, a stand-in for the real princess, and she is being sent to a small village to live with her only remaining relative--a penniless washerwoman. Sinda finds herself inept at the daily drudgery required of a washerwoman and she is scorned by the local teens. She soon discovers that she possesses the gift of magic and she returns to the city to find answers. Along with the answers she seeks, Sinda rediscovers the boy she tried to push away and a secret deep and dark enough to repave the course of history for Thorvaldor! The False Princess is a fast read, filled with action and intrigue. The characters are lifelike, lovable, and enjoyable. You are sure to enjoy this book.
Book Club Questions:
1. Sinda goes to sleep a princess and wakes up to discover that her entire identity, even her name, is false. Have you ever discovered something about your own past that changed the course of your life?
2. Why do you think Sinda initially forsakes her friendship with Kiernan? Do you think this response is acceptable?
3. What parts of the book surprised you?
4. What does friendship mean to you? What about loyalty? Trust?
5. What are your overall impressions of the book?
