Lina Uesugi sets off to find a mysterious village where her father wants her to spend the summer. What she discovers is nothing like she imagined. Instead of resting, she spends her time working at the village’s various shops. As time goes by, she becomes more and more aware of the magic infused in the village and the amazing people who call it home.
Lina’s father tells her she’s going to spend her summer break in a different way—at a mysterious town called Misty Village. After a long journey, Lina finds herself unsure of which way she should go. Strangely, her umbrella magically leads her through the forest until she finds the village hidden in the mist.
Lina learns that Ms. Picotto, the owner of the local boardinghouse, has a room ready for her at Picotto Hall—but Lina will have to work to earn her keep.
Many interesting people reside at Picotto Hall: John is a chef who cooks delicious meals for the residents. Icchan works on many important inventions. Kinu-san does the washing and cleaning. But Lina soon finds herself making friends outside the walls of her summer residence, too.
Lina spends time working with Nata in the book store, Shikka at the pottery shop and Monday at the toy store. She learns about the magic that envelopes the village. The residents are descendants of sorcerers, so magic is infused in their lives. In fact, some of the pottery in Shikka’s shop and toys in Monday’s store are more than they seem.
But most importantly, Lina learns how to work hard, think quickly and find creative solutions to her employers’ problems. However, as the summer wears on, Lina discovers that these problems aren’t only a matter of business: They’re a matter of helping people, mending relationships she didn’t even know were broken.
None.
Nata has a spell book in her store. She tells Lina that everyone in the village is descended from sorcerers. Magic is used in passing throughout the story. People magically enter the village.
Lina sees imps, gnomes and centaurs. Icchan’s pots each keep one of the seasons running. Shikka uses sorcery to turn pottery back into people or animals. A wizard has changed a boy into a piece of pottery. We learn that Kinu-san was under a spell.
A shrine of an unidentified religion is mentioned. We hear about Medusa, Venus, mermaids, witches and a fortune teller.
Ms. Picotto is abrupt and a bit mean, but she provides Lina with everything the girl needs, including a place to stay. A rude prince learns a valuable lesson.
Nata chokes on bread (though she’s OK). Smoking pipes is mentioned. The prince calls Lina a brat. Sunday and Monday get toothaches. Those at the boardinghouse drink wine, and Lina has a sip.
The prince kisses Lina on the cheek.
What chores are you in charge of? Do you think your work is important?
Do you think it was mean or a good idea that Lina had to work all summer? Why or why not?
Read Colossians 3:23. Do you always do your best work? Why is hard work important?
The Village Beyond the Mist is a refreshing take on a summer spent away from home. Magic is used throughout the book, and many mythical creatures are featured as well. However, the story offers good points about hard work and respect, while at the same time keeping the reader engaged with interesting characters and plot points.
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Book reviews cover the content, themes and worldviews of fiction books, not necessarily their literary merit, and equip parents to decide whether a book is appropriate for their children. The inclusion of a book’s review does not constitute an endorsement by Focus on the Family.
Rachel Pfeiffer serves as Editor of Focus on the Family Clubhouse magazine, where she acquires and crafts stories to entertain and disciple children. She graduated from Taylor University with a degree in professional writing and Moody Theological Seminary with an MA in Biblical Studies. When she’s not curled up with a good book, she can often be found hiking the beautiful Colorado Rockies.
