The Hatmakers

Rating: 4/5

The Hatmakers is a historical fantasy set, I think¸ in the early 1800s. Most historical fantasies are set “sometime in the 1800s,” I feel, but this one has King George and an impending war with France, so that’s why I’m assuming pre-1812. Anyway, the time period really isn’t that important as it lends almost nothing to the plot beyond the king’s name. Merchant certainly doesn’t follow any historical restrictions in society at the time.

There’s a really wonderful, quirky mood to this book that is delightful. The writing, though bombarding you with Capitalized Ingredients, is never too overwhelming or confusing, and its subtle humor lends itself well to lighten up some otherwise fairly heavy topics. While really heavy-handed on message, with a few too many modern insertions, the result is an inventive tale about magical clothing and the power of friendship.

Though the villain of the novel is abundantly obvious as Merchant is never subtle, the primary plot about children saving the day from adults bent on avoiding peace and starting a war (because money, or something? It’s usually because of money) is a good one despite my aversion of that trope as a whole. There’s also a secondary plot dealing with the disappearance of Cordelia’s father that is a little bit strange in its resolution, but obviously a sequel hook. After all, since Cordelia has already saved the entirety of England from war with France, what else is there for her to do except find her missing father? It does make me wonder what, possibly, Merchant could possibly expound upon on any possible sequel as everything was wrapped up so neatly in this book. The villain doesn’t even escape at the last minute to set up a revenge-filled return in a sequel.

In any case, despite some minor flaws here or there, such as the lack of dedication to a historical period and the moustache-twirling villains, The Hatmakers was a delightful read.

Info: Tamzin Merchant; published 2021 by Norton Young Readers

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Warnings: The historical setting is modernized to where two boys fight a duel over a girl, but then end up kissing each other instead.

Recommended Age Range: 10+