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Wish
Farmers in their alpine valley are haunted by Fængler, a cunning old enchanter, who ruins their lives by using an ancient wishing chain of powerful stones to spoil crops and steal children, cows and goats.
Young Berwald and his sister Clara set out, without their parents knowing, to climb into the next valley, seize the chain, free their neighbourhood of fear, and wish for whatever they want. But they soon learn that the wild world beyond their home is full of strange forces—some good, some dark and twisted—and almost every wish they make adds new complications and disagreements.
Who can rescue them from this fearful and dangerous adventure? Before Adam, their angry and worried father, can reach them, he must learn to follow seemingly useless leads, and to listen carefully to the tale that lies behind the villain’s bitterness.
A timeless fantasy tale given new life and enchantment in this vivid retelling in verse.
Young Berwald and his sister Clara set out, without their parents knowing, to climb into the next valley, seize the chain, free their neighbourhood of fear, and wish for whatever they want. But they soon learn that the wild world beyond their home is full of strange forces—some good, some dark and twisted—and almost every wish they make adds new complications and disagreements.
Who can rescue them from this fearful and dangerous adventure? Before Adam, their angry and worried father, can reach them, he must learn to follow seemingly useless leads, and to listen carefully to the tale that lies behind the villain’s bitterness.
A timeless fantasy tale given new life and enchantment in this vivid retelling in verse.
Audible Audio
First published June 23, 2010
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
January 24, 2013
Really enjoyed this book.
Wish is similar in many ways to Michael Tolkien's other book, Rainbow. The children can speak to flowers, birds, and insects through a language they forget as they grow up. It is also similar to Tolkien's grandfather's series, The Lord of the Rings in a few ways. The children embark on a journey to recover a magical piece of jewelry (in this case, a necklace) that will give the owner power and wealth. This necklace was discovered at the bottom of a pond by Faengler, a miserable, ugly old man. It reminds me of Gollum and the Ring.
In spite of these similarities, Wish is a unique fairy tale of the heart. Through the children's journey, we learn that only true kindness and selfless desires will bring about the defeat of their enemy. Their father eventually comes after them and learns this lesson quickly. He must relearn the language of the forest and follow the guidance given to him by seemingly less than reliable sources.
Since I read both Rainbow and Wish, I can't help but compare the two a little bit. They are both retellings of Florence Bone's old stories and both written in narrative verse, but I must admit that I enjoyed Wish a bit more. There is more adventure and action, and Tolkien's writing shines through. While Rainbow seemed to be directed at an older audience, I think Wish appeals to a broader audience.
More reviews on my blog: Books for Kids
Wish is similar in many ways to Michael Tolkien's other book, Rainbow. The children can speak to flowers, birds, and insects through a language they forget as they grow up. It is also similar to Tolkien's grandfather's series, The Lord of the Rings in a few ways. The children embark on a journey to recover a magical piece of jewelry (in this case, a necklace) that will give the owner power and wealth. This necklace was discovered at the bottom of a pond by Faengler, a miserable, ugly old man. It reminds me of Gollum and the Ring.
In spite of these similarities, Wish is a unique fairy tale of the heart. Through the children's journey, we learn that only true kindness and selfless desires will bring about the defeat of their enemy. Their father eventually comes after them and learns this lesson quickly. He must relearn the language of the forest and follow the guidance given to him by seemingly less than reliable sources.
Since I read both Rainbow and Wish, I can't help but compare the two a little bit. They are both retellings of Florence Bone's old stories and both written in narrative verse, but I must admit that I enjoyed Wish a bit more. There is more adventure and action, and Tolkien's writing shines through. While Rainbow seemed to be directed at an older audience, I think Wish appeals to a broader audience.
More reviews on my blog: Books for Kids
Displaying 1 of 1 review