by Lloyd Alexander [j Alexander]
Meet Taran. Like most of us, he dreams of a more adventurous life. He doesn't want to tend vegetables or make horseshoes but instead dreams of galloping about on horses, flashing swords, and being a hero. One day he gets that chance, when he notices something amiss. The bees are fleeing. Next, the rooster and hens follow the bees. Before he can stop her, the family's prophetic pig has burrowed under the fence of her pen and escaped. In plunging after her, Taran is thrust into a battle of good against evil with such abundance of adventure his heart ought to feel content, but instead he is left yearning for the peace of his home Caer Dalben. One thing that astounds me about The Prydain Chronicles is how large of an ensemble Alexander not only introduces but makes memorable. Taran is assaulted by a wolfhound named Gurgi. The latter's favorite phrases are "poor, tender head" and "crunchings and munchings". Although initially Gurgi seems only out to gain food, he proves a faithful companion. As the companions proceed, they're captured by the wicked queen Achren. Taran is rescued again, this time by a girl. Although Eilonwy resembles the liveliest of chatterboxes, she also proves herself a feisty companion. When Achren catches Eilonwy talking to Taran and tries to whip her, she escapes by biting Achren. Although his release wasn't intentional, Fflewddur proves another valiant companion, despite his penchant to embellish the truth. At the moment he stretches the truth, one or more of his harp strings break, adding unforced comical relief to a tale fraught with danger and grief. Much later in their adventures, Taran also meets Doli. He's a dwarf who keeps trying to turn invisible by holding his breath. Everyone in his family has the power but him, which makes him feel like an outcast. Alexander's characters are all ones with whom you'd likely identify and enjoy getting to meet. -- review submitted by Allison H.-F. - a customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library [See Allison's issue of the Customer Snapshot newsletter! See Allison's reviews of all of the Chronicles of Prydain novels by Alexander on the Customer Reviews page of BookGuide!]
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