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fantasy that stands alone
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From: Farida S.Dowler <farida>
Date: 29 Nov 2001 10:47:29 -0800
I come into this discussion of fantasy and science fiction mid-way (I was on vacation), so I hope I do not repeat anyone when I heartily endorse THE HOUNDS OF THE MORRIGAN, by Pat O'Shea (1985/86). HOUNDS is a fantasy set in modern?y and mythical Ireland. Two children, Pidge and Bridget, who are entrusted with the quest to keep the Morrigan (the war goddess) from regaining her powers and bringing mass destruction upon the world. While they get assistance from a variety of animals, humans and gods from Celtic myth and legend (including a cameo by CuChullain), the children themselves are the ones who fulfill the quest. The "hounds of the Morrigan" are fierce dogs who are under bonds not to chase the children as long as the children do not run away from them. The story is scary, humorous, and long-- the hardcover edition is 465 pages. Before the HARRY POTTER books, I could not convince patrons to read HOUNDS. "It sounds like a great book, but it's way too long," they said. After HP, I found a more receptive and enthusiastic audience . (It helped that the publishers came out with a handsome paperback with children's and young adult appeal.)
HOUNDS is a hard book to booktalk, simply because there is so much going on in the story that to say, "The story is about...." in 5 minutes doesn't begin to convey how good the book is. When I booktalked it to classes for last summer's reading program, I found I got their interest when I said, "This book took over 10 years to write." After the booktalk, the children often asked, "Do you have any OTHER books that took over 10 years to write?"
Farida S. Dowler Seattle, WA farida at dowler.com
"I like a story with a bad moral."--Thomas Hardy
Received on Thu 29 Nov 2001 12:47:29 PM CST
Date: 29 Nov 2001 10:47:29 -0800
I come into this discussion of fantasy and science fiction mid-way (I was on vacation), so I hope I do not repeat anyone when I heartily endorse THE HOUNDS OF THE MORRIGAN, by Pat O'Shea (1985/86). HOUNDS is a fantasy set in modern?y and mythical Ireland. Two children, Pidge and Bridget, who are entrusted with the quest to keep the Morrigan (the war goddess) from regaining her powers and bringing mass destruction upon the world. While they get assistance from a variety of animals, humans and gods from Celtic myth and legend (including a cameo by CuChullain), the children themselves are the ones who fulfill the quest. The "hounds of the Morrigan" are fierce dogs who are under bonds not to chase the children as long as the children do not run away from them. The story is scary, humorous, and long-- the hardcover edition is 465 pages. Before the HARRY POTTER books, I could not convince patrons to read HOUNDS. "It sounds like a great book, but it's way too long," they said. After HP, I found a more receptive and enthusiastic audience . (It helped that the publishers came out with a handsome paperback with children's and young adult appeal.)
HOUNDS is a hard book to booktalk, simply because there is so much going on in the story that to say, "The story is about...." in 5 minutes doesn't begin to convey how good the book is. When I booktalked it to classes for last summer's reading program, I found I got their interest when I said, "This book took over 10 years to write." After the booktalk, the children often asked, "Do you have any OTHER books that took over 10 years to write?"
Farida S. Dowler Seattle, WA farida at dowler.com
"I like a story with a bad moral."--Thomas Hardy
Received on Thu 29 Nov 2001 12:47:29 PM CST
