2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A dark high school Fairy Tale, June 2, 2000
This review is from: Damnbanna (Paperback)
Best known for her rich fantasy writing, Nancy Springer wrote early in her career this supernatural novella that tells the tale of a high school girl in love with a boy who may or may not be Satan's son. Taking place in the present day, Springer spins a fable both sweet and sinister about a pure and virginal girl, Angel, who falls head-over-heals with the town freak, Damnbanna, so named because of the bandanas he constantly wears around his head. This orphaned, teenage boy bears horrible scars from head-to-toe, all of which he attributes to his "devil" of a father. After saving Angel from a viscious dog attack, Damnbanna appoints himself Angel's guardian when they both realize some sinister force has chosen Angel as its prey. Angel's heart immediately goes out to her new savior, and the love affair begins, although menace lurks around every corner. Springer crafts a clean and simple story, that despite its lack of depth, hits the mark with any romatic who can appreciate the dark side of love. She has done so be creating achetypal characters. Angel is a meek, perpetual "good girl" confined by over-protective parents. Damnbanna is a tough-as-nails orphan and a rebel who can be chained by no one. His gentleness, caring and love come shining through to her alone. Angel looks to him as a protector. Damnbanna has given her his heart. By adding a touch of the spiritual realm into this work, Springer breathes a dark and slightly twisted and fantastical life into the old story of a girl from the upper crust falling in love with a boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Springer writes this story with a frank and almost careless style that works to keep this melodrama from going over the top and becoming sappy. "Damnbanna" is probably too intense for the younger crowd, however it is a quick, fun, and easy read that will be especially appreciated by anyone who has fallen for someone he or she shouldn't have. It will also touch the hearts of all of those who enjoy stories about the unstoppable power of love.
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