The Book of Three
The Book of Three (Chronicles of Prydain (Paperback)) LLOYD ALEXANDER
Publisher: Yearling
ISBN: 0440407028
Edition: Paperback; 1999-01-12
Summary:
The tale of Taran, assistant pig keeper, has been entertaining young
readers for generations. Set in the mythical land of Prydain (which
bears a more than passing resemblance to Wales), Lloyd Alexander's
book draws together the elements of the hero's journey from unformed
boy to courageous young man. Taran grumbles with frustration at home
in the hamlet Caer Dallben; he yearns to go into battle like his
hero, Prince Gwydion. Before the story is over, he has met his hero
and fought the evil leader who threatens the peace of Prydain: the
Horned King. What brings the tale of Taran to life is Alexander's
skillful use of humor, and the way he personalizes the mythology he
has so clearly studied. Taran isn't a stick figure; in fact, the
author makes a point of mocking him just at the moments when he's
acting the most highhanded and heroic. When he and the young girl
Eilonwy flee the castle of the wicked queen Achren, Taran emotes,
"'Spiral Castle has brought me only grief; I have no wish to see it
again.' 'What has it brought the rest of us?' Eilonway asked. 'You
make it sound as though we were just sitting around having a splendid
time while you moan and take on.'" By the end, Alexander has spun a
rousing hero's tale and created a compelling coming-of-age story.
Readers will sigh with relief when they realize The Book of Three is
only the first of the chronicles of Prydain. --Claire Dederer
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