While I in particular have appreciated the happy ending of Rumer Godden's The Diddakoi (albeit that I do find it almost a bit too fairytale like and magical to be a totally realistic conclusion, kind of like a happily-ever-after tale with Kizzy basically getting the best of both the Romany and the non Romany worlds), I do have to admit that the lack of official consequences for the bullying group of village schoolgirls who not only were viciously harassing Kizzy but also were so physically rough and violent towards her on one occasion that they knocked her unconscious and might even have killed her had there not been adults who interfered, this does leave me seeing a bit of the proverbial red. I liked the way the book began with a song about gypsies used as a taunt and ended with the same song sung in admiration of Kizzy's interesting life. It all ends well though and shows a realistic portrayal of the travelling community, the book shows that some are good and honest and some are not, just like any other group of human beings. After such violent treatment I would never insist a seven year old invite the perpetrators to her home. Physical violence to children from adults is commonplace and the despite the actions of many of the children to Kizzy, she is told she needs to be friends with them, invite them to her house.

There are a few things that haven't aged well in this book. The story has a wonderful conclusion, perhaps some might find it a bit too fairytale but as a child I absolutely loved this. The rest of the story follows Kizzy through the following year and her problems with the so called respectable children. When the time comes Kizzy can't live with Gran anymore some disreputable family members come to take her. She goes to the local school and is taunted and bullied.

Kizzy is from a traveller family, she lives with her Gran in a wagon parked in the orchard of Admiral Twiss' country estate.

The diddakoi book