Thief of Colours by Stephen Sinclair

What worked:

The author takes the time to accentuate colors in the early chapters, contrasting with what happens later. The mayor’s secretaries are superficial characters and prideful of their colorful fingernails, dresses, and shoes. Later, they’re angry and alarmed when all colors on the island appear faded and dull. Citizens notice the difference but life dismally goes on. However, they eventually realize it’s affecting their businesses and they want something done. The upcoming changes aren’t what they expect and a pseudo caste system is created.

It's unexpected to learn the whole conflict is initiated by one man. Embarrassment and hurt feelings combine to transform a public servant into the plot’s protagonist. He’s easily manipulated and greed becomes a motivating factor. The conflict is easy to follow but a stone found in an abandoned mine is the real mystery. Where did it come from and how does it work? It’s found in one of the mine shafts so did a worker discover it years ago? The solution to the plot will come from understanding the eerie stone and finding a way to reverse its effects.

Margie and Henry are the main characters but Margie is most interesting. She’s stubborn, opinionated, impulsive, and sometimes bossy but Henry still considers her his best friend. She’s upset that her sister is getting married even though Henry reminds her that she likes the fiancée. She’s dreading being part of the wedding party and she’s furious when she sees the dress she’s expected to wear. It leads to one more argument in her family to go along with the constant quarreling between her mom and sister. Her family problems create a subplot that develops connections with the island’s loss of color.

What didn’t work as well:

The protagonist and his helpers are adults and there may be some subtly inappropriate scenes for younger readers. It’s nothing too bad but it’s not necessary in a book for younger readers.

The final verdict:

This book must be a reprint of one originally published in 1995. The absence of color on the island is a novel idea and Margie and Henry are delightful characters. The plot is easy to follow and readers can predict where it’s headed but there are mild surprises in the end. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.