Although I added this book to my list several years ago, it’s not a book I’d normally gravitate towards (especially were I to judge it by its cover). I’m not really a fantasy person, despite the fact that I love all things Narnia and I finally did manage to read and enjoy The Hobbit a few years ago. The Book of Three is an easy book to enjoy, though, even for those of us not well-versed in the tropes and symbols of fantasy. First, there are a limited number of characters, so even though they have names which are at first unpronounceable (hint: check the back of the book for a pronunciation guide), there aren’t so many that they’re easily confused. Second, it’s a work of juvenile fiction, so it’s not so long that the plot meanders or we forget where we’ve been and where we’re going. What we have, then, is a book in which good and evil are very carefully delineated, and Taran’s whole quest is easy to take in. I love that one of the predominant themes–courage in the face of overwhelming odds–is so easy to discern. This is from the author’s note at the beginning of the story:
The geography of Prydain is peculiar to itself. Any resemblance between it and Wales is perhaps not coincidental–but not to be used as a guide for tourists. It is a small land, yet it has room enough for gallantry and humor; and even an Assistant Pig-Keeper there may cherish many dreams.
The chronicle of Prydain is a fantasy. Such things never hapen in real life. Or do they? Most of us are called on to perform tasks far beyond what we can do. Our capabilities seldom match our aspirations, and we are often woefully unprepared. To this extent, we are all Assistant Pig-Keepers.
To me, that’s an irresistible introduction.
We all loved this book. It’s suspenseful and humorous and just an all around great story. The characterization is wonderful. My girls never wanted me to stop with just one chapter. We give this one a Highly, Highly Recommended and can’t wait to read the next book in The Chronicles of Prydain. (Henry Holt, 1964)
My oldest son loves this series. Maybe I’ll have to delve in, though reading fantasy is so NOT me.
My older children has read this series on their own. On a recent road trip they requested the audio book to listen to. It is a fabulous read (and a great audio book). There are so many good discussion points throughout the series.
I was raised on fantasy – we had the whole series in paperback, beat-up even when I was young, and I read them over and over again. My son and I did the series on audiobook last year and really enjoyed it, too!
I found your blog when I was googling whether or not Gretchen Rubin is a Christian (you had the answer), and I started reading your blog. I think I’m going to subscribe in Bloglovin. Thanks for the great book recommendations. We do a lot of read alouds around here.
I have this on my Kindle and plan to read it this year after seeing Janet recommend the series I think last year. I don’t read fantasy often but like it sometimes. I especially like that it usually involves a quest that is daunting to the main character.
This looks like something that we would love!