Penelope isn't just passive. She needs a lot of strength and cunning to fight off a houseful of obnoxious suitors. I've loved this whole series of stories and there is a lot here to savour. The loving relationship with Gemma, Rose's own faith and quiet strength, the Cornish setting and folklore and the carolling interwoven with the Stowaway song. It all adds up to a treat to savour.

BTW there's a very good BBC Radio 4 dramatisation of The Odyssey available on CD, but it's a little distracting to recongise the voice of Francine Jones playing Calypso!