http://www.amazon.com/Rat-Run-Y-I-Lee-ebook/dp/B010C0YH3S/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1436884981&sr=1-1&keywords=rat+run&pebp=1436884985087&perid=04YB7W65TJH5120ARCKV
Described as a children’s fantasy, akin to Aesop’s fables, the story begins with a peaceful evening in the kingdom of one group of rats, as they prepare for the arrival of the ‘right’ female for the King’s son to ensure alliances and a secure future. Princess Shamrock and her escorts have a dangerous journey to undertake from their own realm, in order to arrive at King Pierro’s, and an escort party will meet them half way to ensure her safe arrival.
Described as a children’s fantasy, akin to Aesop’s fables, the story begins with a peaceful evening in the kingdom of one group of rats, as they prepare for the arrival of the ‘right’ female for the King’s son to ensure alliances and a secure future. Princess Shamrock and her escorts have a dangerous journey to undertake from their own realm, in order to arrive at King Pierro’s, and an escort party will meet them half way to ensure her safe arrival.
The
reader is then presented with the nightmare many rat owners dread, and if we
anthropomorphised, we could readily believe fancy rats might have nightmares
about too: wild rats invading fancy rat territory and battle! Death and injury
remove any complacency the reader may have entertained as to the story being
gentle and ‘cosy’.
The
suspicion and distrust between the three kingdoms has been a fact of life for
as long as any rat can remember. However one rat feels it’s time to change
that: unwilling at first, he embarks upon a quest to find an answer to the disputes
and constant fighting between the fancy rats and the wild rats.
The
fact that the wild rats suffer prejudice and try to unite with fancy rats to
improve themselves and find acceptance is a key to the solution. As is the
acknowledgement that not all wild rats are bad and not all fancy rats are good.
The
section where small, terrified Timere undergoes the Rat Run is skilfully and
believably constructed, seeing everything from his perspective. The experience
proves life-changing for him, as we know events can prove to be and we see his
character grow as a result.
There
are several segments to this story, keeping the reader interested and ever
drawn in to the narrative, as different elements raise the level of
anticipation and complexity. What might have been thought ‘obvious’ decisions
are not always taken by the characters, and this adds to the depth of the book.
Dissent and rebellion happens, and forgiveness has its place too.
Y.I.
Lee gets a lot into this book, as it can feel there are several books within
this one story, but the narrative flows easily and it is a pleasure to read,
with plenty of heart-warming details.
-Lesley
Mackness
No comments:
Post a Comment