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The Star of Kazan by Eva Ibbotson

Summary

Annika, a 12-year-old foundling in turn-of-the-century Vienna, enjoys her life as a servant girl in this beautiful and inspiring city, but she also wishes for the return of her true mother. When her wish is granted a mystery unfolds, and the people who truly love Annika must solve it to save her.

Booktalk

Imagine living 100 years ago in the beautiful Austrian city of Vienna. The city is home to the Lipizzaner Stallions, grand palaces, flowering gardens and the largest Ferris wheel in the world. Composers and artists make Vienna their home. It is a grand place to live, even for a serving girl named Annika. Annika was abandoned as a baby in a small church on the slopes of Mt. Dorfelspitze. That is where two servants on their day off find her and take Annika to home. Home is a house with three professors whom they serve. Annika spends many happy years with them and enjoys life in beautiful Vienna, but she has one special wish. Every night she dreams that a beautiful woman will ring the bell, sweep into the house and say, "Where is she? Where is my long lost daughter?” and then gather Annika into her arms. There is a saying, "Be careful what you wish for, it just may come true." Annika’s dream does come true and thus the mystery begins. Annika leaves her happy home in Vienna and travels to an old castle in Germany where she meets a gypsy boy, a three-legged dog and strange new relatives. Annika’s new life is nothing like she dreamed. Back in Vienna, Annika’s friends miss her terribly and soon learn she is in trouble. They discover the real truth about her mother and plan a rescue. Can they save her before it is too late? And what about the Star of Kazan, an exquisite emerald that is the center of this mystery? Read The Star of Kazan by Eva Ibbotson to find out who ends up living happily –and fortunately—ever after.

405 pages, 4th grade and up

Discussion questions

Warning! Some of the questions contain key elements of the plot. Do not read if you don't want to know what happens!

  1. Each year Annika celebrates her “Found Day” instead of a birthday. What is the significance of this day? A few of Annika’s Found Day celebrations were described in the novel. Which celebration was the most significant to her? Which celebration would have been the most enjoyable to you?
  2. A small green hut (actually an old tool shed) becomes headquarters for Annika, Stephan and Pauline. What sort of games do they play in this hut? Where do they get their ideas for these games?
  3. Why aren’t Loremarie Egghart and Annika friends? How are their personalities different?
  4. Why does the Egghart’s great-aunt, La Rondine, prefer the company of Annika?
  5. Ellie entrusts Annika to prepare and cook the Christmas Carp. This task is very important to Annika. What is the outcome? Why is it important?
  6. “There is nothing more amazing than walking into one's own dream,” is a quote from the story. What is Annika’s dream that comes true?
  7. Frau Edeltraut brings Annika back to her ancient family home in Spittal. There, Annika meets her brother, Hermann. Hermann has both good and bad qualities. Share an example of each.
  8. Does Annika’s new life as an aristocrat bring her happiness? Why or why not? Being rich can mean more than having money. What is another way to be rich?
  9. Inside La Rondine’s trunk is the Star of Kazan. What is the true story of this jewel?
  10. Zed, Pauline and Stephan all accomplish heroic deeds to save Annika from the fate of Frau Edeltraut. What were these actions? Would you have done the same for a friend?
  11. “Stand Aside Ye Vermin Who Oppose Us” is the Eldeltraut family motto. Is this a clue to the true nature of the family? What other clues does the author give us to help solve the mystery?

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Snacks: Try pastries - the richer & flakier the better, plus chocolate, cream or fruit inside.

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