I was first intrigued by the Tam Lin legend after reading the Jane Yolen picture book of the same title. I found this book, part of-and perhaps the best of- Terri Windling's Fairy Tale series, at the local bookstore and bought it, took it home, and read it in a weekend. I couldn't put it down. I've read it a number of times since.The plot itself works the Tam Lin legend (included in ballad form in the book)into the like of a young woman attending a small midwestern liberal arts college. Janet enters school as an English major(I was an English major in college) where she finds friends in her roomates and romance in a bumpy relationship with a Classics major.For anyone who loves literature, this book also has an added appeal, Pamela Dean recommends many, many books, plays, and poems through the character of Janet. Some were books I'd already read, others I've read since. I can't recommend this book enough.