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Cynthia Rylant's Books for Older Readers: The Islander and
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From: Megan Schliesman <Schliesman>
Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 11:11:19 -0500
Let's continue to think about and comment on Cynthia Rylant's work as an illustrator. At the same time, I invite you to begin sharing your thoughts about her novels and books of poetry.
Let's begin with The Islander (DK Ink), Rylant's new novel (and one for which she did the jacket art, by the way).
The Islander is a book that I can't quite categorize. I don't see it as fantasy, despite the presence of a mermaid, and yet it is something that I also wouldn't call realistic fiction, either. Perhaps this is due in part to the narrative voice--that of a young man looking back on the events from his childhood that defined his understanding of family, home, and self, leading him from feelings of loneliness and isolation to a deep sense of identity and belonging. Such transformations as these in our lives often incorporate a sense of transcendency--stepping with trust into a world beyond the concrete and explainable (especially when it is first represented in the appearance of a mermaid). Daniel's voice as he describes the events of his childhood is so centered and calm--the voice of one who has embraced what cannot be explained and found comfort there.
If you have had a chance to read The Islander, do you see it as a fantasy? As metaphor? Do you see any connections between it and her other words for older children--both novels and poetry----in terms of theme and voice?
Megan Schliesman (schliesman at mail.soemadison.wisc.edu) Cooperative Children's Book Center School of Education UW-Madison 600 N. Park St., Room 4290 Madison, WI 53706 608&2?03
Received on Fri 10 Jul 1998 11:11:19 AM CDT
Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 11:11:19 -0500
Let's continue to think about and comment on Cynthia Rylant's work as an illustrator. At the same time, I invite you to begin sharing your thoughts about her novels and books of poetry.
Let's begin with The Islander (DK Ink), Rylant's new novel (and one for which she did the jacket art, by the way).
The Islander is a book that I can't quite categorize. I don't see it as fantasy, despite the presence of a mermaid, and yet it is something that I also wouldn't call realistic fiction, either. Perhaps this is due in part to the narrative voice--that of a young man looking back on the events from his childhood that defined his understanding of family, home, and self, leading him from feelings of loneliness and isolation to a deep sense of identity and belonging. Such transformations as these in our lives often incorporate a sense of transcendency--stepping with trust into a world beyond the concrete and explainable (especially when it is first represented in the appearance of a mermaid). Daniel's voice as he describes the events of his childhood is so centered and calm--the voice of one who has embraced what cannot be explained and found comfort there.
If you have had a chance to read The Islander, do you see it as a fantasy? As metaphor? Do you see any connections between it and her other words for older children--both novels and poetry----in terms of theme and voice?
Megan Schliesman (schliesman at mail.soemadison.wisc.edu) Cooperative Children's Book Center School of Education UW-Madison 600 N. Park St., Room 4290 Madison, WI 53706 608&2?03
Received on Fri 10 Jul 1998 11:11:19 AM CDT
