After a bout of serious reading, I was in the mood for some light-hearted middle grade magic and The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant was just the ticket. Affectionately known as Dilly, our main character Cordelia is the youngest member of the Hatmaker family. These magical milliners utilise alchemy and weave enchantments into each of their unique creations to give the wearers the qualities they seek. This could include a hat to combat stage fright or a hat to instil peace within the wearer.
When Cordelia's father is lost at sea at the beginning of the book, this kicks off an entertaining series of events.
The book is set in London around the year 1800 placing it in the Regency era and there are other Royal maker families in this fantasy world, including: the Cloakmakers, Glovemakers, Watchmakers, Bootmakers and Canemakers.
These families are ancient rivals and Cordelia is training to become a hatmaker when she learns:
"Magic is in everything natural in the world. Magic lives in the wind, in the rivers, in the earth, in the sunlight. It's in flowers and trees and rocks and it's born in all creatures. But most people have forgotten about it or - even worse than forgetting - they think it's old-fashioned." Page 66Merchant's imaginative writing when it comes to magic is a little reminiscent of the world building in Harry Potter but in a refreshingly unique way. As an example, every meal made by the Cook at the Hatmaker's house was a symphony of deliciousness that had the potential to heal all manner of maladies:
"Cook would stir up herby stews to soothe hurt feelings, bake honey cakes to mend broken hearts, make crinkle-crusted pies for courage, and melting-cheese pastries to bolster tired souls. Her cucumber soup could cool a hot temper and her bread-and-butter pudding inspired kindness in even the grumpiest person. Her roast potatoes seemed to help with everything." Page 43I'd love to try everything but the cucumber soup. Containing several illustrations by Paola Escobar, it turns out The Hatmakers is the first in a series. The second book in the series is called The Mapmakers followed by The Troublemakers which was published earlier this year.
Incidentally, it was only when writing this review that I learned the author Tamzin Merchant played the role of Catherine Howard in The Tudors (mind blown!) as well as Imogen Spurnrose in Carnival Row. What a talented and versatile woman.
The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant is thoroughly recommended for middle grade readers looking for a unique adventure, but don't forget your hat!
