The Princess Pourquoi

"The Princess Pourquoi" by Margaret Pollock Sherwood is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Princess Pourquoi, a curious and intelligent girl born under a curse from an insulted fairy. This curse grants her a mind that seeks answers to the many "whys" of life but, ironically, makes her feel alienated from those around her, as her inquisitiveness is deemed undesirable for a young princess. The opening of the tale introduces the princess in her royal setting where her birth is celebrated, only to be marred by the curse of a powerful fairy who ensures she will bear the burden of wisdom that renders her lonely and misunderstood. Despite her good nature, her thirst for knowledge and truth sets her apart from her more docile siblings and court members. As she navigates her childhood, bonding with her family yet constantly questioning social norms, the princess' uniqueness becomes both a gift and a curse, laying the groundwork for a journey of self-discovery and defiance against societal expectations. The stage is set for her to challenge the conventions of the kingdom she inhabits.