Unstoppable by Diann Rodgers-Healey
Description
When a little girl’s hair grows outrageously, one would simply know that a haircut is needed badly. But this option is out for Princess Melina, even though her hair grows unstoppably.
Her father, King Fartysand commands that her hair is never to be cut. So, her mother, Queen Laviniya, and her loyal followers take care of the Princess’ billowing metres of hair. When they and the Princess defy Fartysand’s command in small ways, he unleashes his windy revenge to ensure their obedience.
But on her nineteenth birthday, when Fartysand declares the Princess is to be married off, against her wishes, what will she do? Will she find a way to stop the madness and assert herself; free her people; take control of her massive hair, and live happily ever after? Or will she accept her ridiculous fate?
This story promises to amuse, captivate and inspire children to think about courage and strength in the face of adversity and power, and appreciate the pursuit of self-empowerment and equality.
The novel’s Cover designed by Diann Rodgers-Healey shows the main character of the story, Princess Melina with her extremely long unstoppable growing hair.
Special Thanks are extended to Richard Healey for the interior’s Book Design.
Reviews of Unstoppable
“Poignant and hilarious in one! This delightful story of the brave princess with the unstoppably growing hair, her kind and principled mother who loved her daughter without judgment, and the despotic patriarch who was king, and who led by fear and his dreadfully smelly habits, is a poignant allegory of courage in the face of adversity. It is funny, but it is also empathetic and caustic, reflective of society’s greatest imperfections. If power produces the worst examples of leadership and kingship, then courage and determination in the face of the abuse of power, is a given. And who could forget the friendship and trust in the end of team Orion and Melina, the basis of all the best teams?
Yet the most resounding words are those of Queen Laviniya to her daughter Melina in the end, words all mothers should be able to say to their daughters, when they have both experienced cruelty;
“Melina, putting up with your father’s cruel demands and standing up to him, all took immense courage. You lived carrying all that hair for decades, enduring all the pain and his hate. You lived with it knowing he is your father. I merely spoke some words of support now and again. You are phenomenal darling and your life is one of courage and bravery all the way through. Please never forget that.”
Nazhat Shameem
“Diann has in effect written what I would describe as a whimsical, dystopian fairytale that explores themes of courage, self determination, and defiance, all set within a fictional, dysfunctional kingdom where a Princess with untameable hair (with an equally untameable spirit) strives to surmount the selfishness of the despotic, controlling King.
The fable-like quality of this story resonates with other themes – notably, a mother’s love, loyalty, the importance of community spirit & cooperation, and kindness. Above all, it’s about finding the courage to stand up for yourself, to dare to challenge autocratic power even in a familial setting, and finding your own true self. The princess’s hair is both a metaphor for the things in our life that are inherent parts of ourselves, and the things that weigh us down, also.A parable for life.”Natalie J. Keene
Book Details
Print ISBN: 978-1-7636358-6-9 Publication date : September 1, 2025
Language : English
Print length : 160 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-1763635869
Item Weight : 6.1 ounces
Reading age : 10 – 12 years
Dimensions : 5.25 x 0.37 x 8 inches
Availability
This book is available through online retailers, as well as through retail book shops and libraries. Outlets that do not stock it can order it through the global distribution network for libraries and retailers.
Signed Copy
$20 AUD plus postage for a special discounted price of a new signed copy from the author please get in touch and contact An Imaginarium’s Admin.
Available for Schools and Educational Institutions
Unstoppable is listed in the AUSTLIT database, a unique teaching, research, and publishing resource for Australian culture and storytelling. As such it is available to members of subscribing libraries, universities, schools, educational institutions, and other organisations. The National Library of Australia, most Australian state libraries, almost all Australian universities and many schools and other organisations subscribe to AustLit.
