The Dulcimer Boy

by Tor Seidler

Having been left on the doorstep of the CarbunclesÆ home, brothers William and Jules find little love in their adoptive home as they are forced to live in an attic, yet when things become even worse, William decides to take his one possession, a string dulcimer, and flee his situation in the hopes of finding a better life for the both of them.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Kim Harper · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars… sad and lovely

[Erin Mae Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm biased because it's a book about a boy who plays a dulcimer.... but it's a very sweet story full of adventure and almost-happy-endings.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a touching, beautifully illustrated story that is probably best read on a rainy Saturday afternoon when you're feeling a tad melancholy. It begins when a man leaves twin boys, 10 months old, in a basket on his dead wife's sister's doorstep, along with a beautiful dulcimer - that flat, stringed instrument played with mallets. The Carbuncle family doesn't take very good care of the boys, the silent Jules and the musically gifted William.

When it seems they will take the dulcimer from him and sell it, William runs away with the instrument and seeks his fortune in a seaport, where he sings for his supper in a quayside inn. Soon sailors and fishermen fill the inn every night to hear William play. But William, filled with guilt about leaving his brother, only wants to go back.

How William gets free of the innkeeper's slavemaster-like clutches, what brings him back to his uncle and aunt's doorstep, and what becomes of the brothers after that, is stuff you must find out for yourself by reading this small masterpiece. Prepare to have your heart squeezed, and to have your mind's senses filled with vivid imagery.

This 1979 book, illustrated by Brian Selznick (now a successful author himself), was the first book by the author of A Rat's Tale, The Wainscott Weasel, Toes, and the National Book Award finalist Mean Margaret. Most recently, in 2015, Tor Seidler published a novel about wolves titled Firstborn.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book around the same time as Henkes' _Sun & Spoon_ and found this one to be a much more interesting read. I can see how it would particularly appeal to boys around 7-10 yrs. old. William is a likable main character. I think that most readers will find themselves cheering for him. Also, I like the fact that he not only discovers a gift in himself, but that he also develops that gift and passion which gives him more knowledge about himself. This might subtly inspire young boys to explore their own talents and interests. (Young girls will like this book as well; it just seems that there are less current books for boys that aren't silly action-adventures.) I'd recommend this book, especially for a boys' bookclub.

[C&C Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to categorize. “Haunting” “Lyricism…” About two boys left at doorstep of not so nice Uncle and Aunt. Almost feels like Harry Potter or a Roald Dahl thing but what I like about it is the way it pulls back and doesn’t totally villainize the not-so-nice step parents. The one brother who talks (the other is mute) runs away with the Dulcimer that was left to him when the family is down on their luck and threatens to sell it. Great part where he assembles a message written in leaves from his brother (turns out he assembles it incorrectly) and tries to get back to him, but not before being tricked into playing at a tough bar, where he meets his father. A fairy tale feel. Very nice.

[April Hochstrasser · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short junior book about two neglected orphan boys, one with the talent to play the dulcimer I would have given it 4 stars except the ending left many unanswered questions. Why did the birds follow him? Did he find his real father? Did he return to his twin brother and what became of the twin, Jules? The story seemed to end half way through. I couldn't tell what the overall theme was.

[Kathleen McKim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just bought this because I happened upon it at our IAA Book Fair, which I happened to be in charge of. When I opened it up, I saw it was a signed copy by the illustrator Brian Selznick. Yes. THAT Brian Selznick. So I bought it for 10JD. It's a good story. I'd recommend it for any fairy tale lover.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started slow for me and it took over half the book for me to get into it, but I am glad I stuck with it because I ended up loving it. It is a beautiful and touching story and the writing style reminded me of one of my favorite authors Kate DiCamillo.

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was in Middle School and loved it so much that I included it in my literacy memory and read it again. A heartwarming tale about two orphaned brothers and a musical journey of self-discovery. Historical Fiction. 2003.

[aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story with equally breathtaking illustrations.

[Karla Strand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminded me of DiCamillo - really enjoyed it.

[Rachel kiwi · Rating 4 out of 5]

sad

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and beautiful.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Selznick's drawings add greatly to the story--an interesting but not terribly creative "abandoned at birth" story

[Ivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this because the illustrations are by Brian Selznick. The story is like a fable. I enjoyed it, found it compelling.

[Samantha Raeburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book when I was little, and loved it. Decided to read it again, for old times sake and loved it just at much.