SOURCE: Received for review from NewBooks magazine.
The kingdom used to be a place of paved roads and well-filled coffers, with joy and the good life all around. But the old king went the way of all flesh years ago, and now the kingdom is derelict, a land of wickedness and ruin. But a young prince and his sister begin to see what must be done, and - if they can - to restore what has been lost.
For a hundred years A Tale Without a Name has been one of Greece s best-loved stories. This playful, wise fable is enchanting for readers of any age, as meaningful and moving now as when it was first written.
...... Inner front cover.
FIRST SENTENCE (Chapter 1): When old King Prudentius realized that he had little time left to live, he summoned his son, young Witless, and said to him:
MEMORABLE MOMENT (Page 75): With that, she suffered one of her attacks of nerves, and had to leave the room.
MY THOUGHTS: A book suitable for most ages, A Tale Without A Name can be read on so many different levels. Though possibly not suitable for the very young it is simple enough to be read as a bedtime story for older children but likewise on a deeper level can also be read as a fable.
Though not as charming as I had expected this is still a delightful read. Full of wonderful characters with names like King Witless, Queen Barmy, Jealousia, Spitefulnia and Master Miserlix, this is the story of a debonair young Prince with a decision to make.
Surprisingly topical given that it was written over one hundred years ago (it has only recently been translated) I was quite taken aback by its considerable political allegories, its undertones of social and individual moral responsibility.
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6 comments:
Looks like a neat little book!! I think I would love it since I like to read fables.
Thanks for the wonderful review Tracy :)
How interesting that this was written over 100 years ago. The names are fun and it sounds like a cute book. Thanks for sharing this!
~Jess
This sounds like an interesting, yet charming book. I'm always surprised by the relevance of statement made eons ago by ancient Greeks, Romans, etc. In many ways, things never really change.
Sort of like the more things change... the more they stay the same? :) Interesting and that makes me even more curious. Brilly review!
I love that it still holds up all these years after it was first published.
I've never heard of this one, it does sound good.
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