Gypsy Gold

by Valerie Worth

Book Overview

Miranda's unbearable home life causes her to run away to the gypsies where she finds a surprisingly satisfying life. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374428204
• ISBN13: 9780374428204
• Release Date: January 1986
• Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.2" x 7.6"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

a wise, illuminating and beautiful novel

Having latterly discovered Valerie Worths' 2 books of sublime magical poetry ( 'The Crone's Book of Charms & Spells' contains the most wonderful seasonal rituals I have ever come across) I have become quietly intrigued by her art and the strange and profound quality of vision it conveys, intimations of great mysteries revealed in the small things, of high secrets concealed in the humbler patterns of life and nature and the manners by which we may work skilfully with these, calling upon them to realise their powers and presences...her poetic art, for all it's unassuming simplicity, is a revelation of genuine magic in operation (much more so than many books by 'professional' occultists with their ego-heavy literalism.)It's the subtle verbal music of Valerie Worth's poetic voice which evinces an authentic incantatory quality and an uncanny ability to conjure alluring images of virtue and atmospheres of power - which draws us almost imperceptibly into the imaginal sphere of magical experience - and underlying all this an elusive quality of uncommon wisdom which is instinctual and draws upon the timeless depth of arcane knowledge and vision. Her 1969 preface to 'Crones Book of Magical Words' is a short exposition well worth reading and considering, articulating her ideas, intent and insight in regard to the magical use of poetry as applied spellcraft, a field in which she was clearly a mistress of enchantments. So as an admirer of Valerie Worth's verse I was naturally pretty keen to read her novel 'Gypsy Gold' - again in common with her verse there's this extradordinary and subtle depth of poetic and mystical perception which runs through the narrative and illumines it throughout. It's a beautiful and moving novel of the young girl Miranda's journey toward self-discovery, shot through with threads of despair, love, fear, mystery, sadness, joy, pain and wisdom and as other reviewers have noted the symbolism of the tarot cards feature prominently therein and the way these are woven into the tale is especially fascinating and revelatory. One one level a moving tale of love, loss, redemption and fulfilment but deeper still a truly initiatory narrative of mystical realisation - the episode where Miranda senses the sea laughing after the long cold of winter gives way to spring is exquisite and rapturous. 'Gypsy Gold' is truly a novel with heart and charged with a rare wisdom which, like the best books, one will return to savour again and again. It's a classic novel which should not be out of print. 'Gypsy Gold' is another testament to the late Valerie Worth's peculiar poetic genius, a brilliant and heart-touching novel which is a celebration of life's initiatory pathway, it's trials, joys and wonders.

need to read

I first read this book about eight years ago, and I loved it the instant I picked it up. It is a romance, and I don't believe that they could have fallen in true love so quickly, but who doesn't want that to happen to them? I am a (pending) student of the tarot and I loved the imagry of the tarot readings and the depth and truness of them as well. If anyone is interested in the real ways of the gypsies but doesn't want to read a boring text book about them, this is a must.

A jewel of a book!

It's true that this is a romance: Miranda runs away from home to avoid an arranged marriage, falls in love with a Gypsy lad, etc. But the language is poetic, the characters are nuanced and there are heart-tugging moral issues about faith and loyalty.Best of all is Worth's description of tarot which Bella teaches to Miranda. The author shows how the cards are not a fortune telling game but a way to connect with great forces in the universe. When Miranda makes the shift from knowing the rote meanings to truly connecting with the structure behind them, it's the best tarot moment I've seen in fiction. Highly recommended for tarologists who'll enjoy the detailed readings woven into the story. It's a delightful book with depth enough for adults as well as younglings.

A delightful tale of the way of the Gypsy

I have been an avid reader for most of my life and this magical story impressed me with its vagabond style. Valerie Worth is a superb writer in her ability to capture the very soul of the gypsy people. Sixteen-year-old Miranda draws me into the story through her bold nature and acceptance of the despised race of wanderers. I thouroughly enjoyed this book and reccomend it to others who enjoy a little romance, a little adventure, and a lot of self discovery.