Impossible (novel)
Impossible is a 2008 young adult romance novel by Nancy Werlin. The story weaves together elements of fairy tale, romance, and contemporary social issues.
Synopsis:
The novel centers on Lucy Dane, a seemingly ordinary 17-year-old girl. Lucy is cursed, a hereditary curse stemming from a vengeful fairy in medieval times. Each firstborn daughter of the Dane family is doomed to repeat a series of impossible tasks to try and break the curse. Lucy's task is to knit a sweater for a tree. The novel follows Lucy's journey as she struggles with the curse, falls in love, and confronts the reasons behind the curse, ultimately seeking to break it permanently.
Themes:
Impossible explores themes of:
- Fate vs. Free Will: Lucy grapples with the seemingly predetermined nature of the curse versus her desire to control her own destiny.
- Family History and Legacy: The novel delves into the generations of Dane women affected by the curse, highlighting the impact of the past on the present.
- Love and Sacrifice: Lucy's romantic relationships are intertwined with the demands of the curse, forcing her to make difficult choices.
- Social Justice: The novel touches upon issues of class, privilege, and historical injustices that contribute to the curse's origins.
- Female Empowerment: Lucy's eventual efforts to break the curse demonstrate a shift from passive victim to active agent in her own life.
Reception:
Impossible was generally well-received, praised for its inventive plot, compelling characters, and exploration of complex themes. It was a National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature in 2008.
Related Works/Adaptations:
As of 2023, there are no known film or television adaptations of Impossible. The novel stands alone as a unique work within the young adult literature landscape.