Heartsinger

by Karlijn Stoffels, Laura Watkinson (translator)

Mee was born with a great the ability to sing other people's stories and heal their pain. But Mee also carries his own pain -- his failure to reach his deaf mother and heal her grief at his father's death. As he travels the country, he eases many people's sorrows, but he cannot connect with anyone himself.



Mitou also has a spreading joy through a few notes from her accordion. When she hears about Mee--who was born on the same day she was--she knows that surely they belong together, each of them helping others through their music.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Fiction, Teen, Middle Grade

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

So uniquely written

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

HEARTSINGER is one of those rare books that doesn't fit the mold of one genre. Flowing more like a fairy tale, Ms. Stoffels creates a story that weaves multiple romances into one epic journey of Mee, the singer of sorrows.

Born of deaf-mute parents, Mee was always called "You," "Boy" or "You There." So when the local school master arrives to take him to school, when asked his name, he responds that he is me, and thus, "Mee" becomes his name. He excels at school, but music is his gift. He is able to create such haunting music that everyone stops to listen when they hear his song.

But after his father dies, and his mother grows ill, Mee does all he can to relieve his mother's suffering. Unable to hear his song, she nods sadly and passes away. After her death, Mee can not remain in the house that reminds him of his inability to heal his mother.

Mee sets off on a journey that takes him to many villages and distant lands. He is sought after by all as the singer of sorrows. He helps ease the pain of those in mourning. The book shares his different encounters and their sad stories.

On the same day as Mee's birth, another gifted musician, Mitou, has heard of Mee's fame and seeks him out. She is the opposite of Mee, singing of color and happiness. Traveling from the opposite direction, she is sure she will find him.

The two are then asked to travel across the water to the island kingdom. There, Princess Esperanza sits forever staring in a mirror. Denying a prince her hand in marriage, she eats, sleeps, and lives in front of her mirror. Growing up in a house where she was left to her own devices, it is up to Mee and Mitou to break the mirror's spell.

Translated into English, HEARTSINGER is a moving tale of love and loss. The intertwined stories that help tell of Mee's travels are touching and sweet. The story moves quickly, leading up to Mee's search for himself.

[Monica Edinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was lovely. The storytelling is superb. It was fun reading it after having listened to a USBBY session on it at ALA.

The individual stories told throughout are lovely, atmospheric, poetic, and thought provoking.

The final resolution of the relationship between Me and Mitou at the end of the book was a bit abrupt and not completely convincing to me --- I needed more of Mitou to balance all I knew about Me.

Otherwise the book is delightful.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Achingly beautiful. Basically a collection of whimsical/fantastical short stories involving love (or lack thereof), but it's unique in that most of them begin with death. Wish it was longer.

(This book is definitely not for everyone, but was exactly what I needed when I picked it up. I devoured it in less than an hour. )

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a heart-touching story with many stories sharing incredible details and adventures!

[Asharia Calderon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book , was about a little boy named Mee. His parents couldn't talk to him because they were both deaf so they all spoke in sign language . Mee , ended up learning sign language at a very young age as well . Mee's parents never named him because on sign language they would just say, "You , you there , or boy " . Mee basically named himself because one day he got visited by the local school master , and when the school master asked for his name that was Mee's response. Turns out Mee , had a very special gift. He could sing really well. The School Master even had Mee , take over the class but of course the teahcer had to teach him a couple notes and scales because Mee wasn't a professional singer. Mee did end up taking over the class and he even got payed for it . His dad had died by then , and him and his mom were alone. Before , Mee didn't attend school , he would sell things made by his parents. His parents would sell things that they would make , by the city streets but that barely made enough so Mee would help them out plus , he would also , work on the neighbor's farm. So with Mee's dad passing away because of a deadly illness , Mee was helping out his mother with the house. So he took over the classes. Throughout the book , Mee ended up singing for a lot of people because even when he would hum a tune or song people would dance and try to sing along , but no one could match the exact tone with Mee. Everyone loved his voice. He met this girl, he really liked her. The King's daughter. He would sing about her looks , personality , and everything about her. He really liked her. Turned out, she didn't like him like that. He was very hurt at first , but he tried to continue to do his job as a singer, and one day while he was performing , for the king , the prince proposed to her and for some reason Mee , felt relief ? He didn't even know why ! He just was happy for them as well ?
This is what , the "HeartSinger" is about. (:

[Yan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is written in short, simple, but powerful sentences. Think Ernest Hemingway and “The Old Man and the Sea,” filled with symbolism and emotion packed imagery. It reminds me of a Disney-esque type of movie with its setting, characters and ending, but with a much darker and brooder type of feel.

Each chapter is a tale of its own. They tell of the people that Mee and Mitou come across. Of a lieutenant that died in a well with his flute grasped in his hands to a sailor whose sweetheart waited for him day by day. There’s about 6 different tales but there are many more sub-stories connected to each person. It gives the reader great background information about the characters that the author presents which I love since I’m all for the small little details!

I love the irony of the characters as well! Mee who was born from deaf parents lived a childhood that filled with merriment and love became the singer of sorrows. Mitou was born from a set of parents who loathed one another became the merrymaker. Forced into marriage by her wealthy and take-no-for-an-answer father, she grew up in an environment filled with abusive words and hate.

There are some lines that I adore from the book. Almost the entire book is less than happy but some quotes had me chuckling. One very powerful line that I love was from Mee, “A man who cannot make his own mother happy does not deserve to enjoy himself.” It might not be as strong out of context but after reading his life background it’s so emotionally powerful.

Oh the ending! It was slightly odd and out of the blue but can be a great example of how opposites attract. Of course, this plays a great part with the happily ever after, well as much as you can from this novel. *spoiler* And yes, it was indeed Mee that fell in love with Mitou. Like yin and yang almost *spoiler*

[Rachel Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five stars for writing craft, word-smithing, and story telling. This is a beautifully done book. The use of repetition was extremely well handled and the story came together perfectly. (and the English is a translation – so hats off to the translator as well.) It is written as an old fashioned fairy tale, which really worked.

One star for my reaction after finishing. I sat there, staring at the cover, and felt mildly depressed. That is not why I read books.

It is the story of Mee (the name isn’t accidental) – the singer of sorrows. He travels the land attending catastrophe and funerals to sing the truth of individual’s lives and thereby give comfort. As he sings, we learn different stories of different people, including a princess named Esperanza on a far off island that spends her entire life staring at herself in mirrors. Her people want Mee to save her from her mirrors along with the help of Mitou (say that aloud), a girl known as the merrymaker.

This is a book of messages. Each person Mee meets had a story message, the book overall had a message. The problem is that these messages were all so sad. They were about human relationships: parent-child, husband-wife, hero-followers, sex (although not overtly – the sexual story was handled via metaphor). Each one showcased the negative – abuse, abandonment, loneliness, craving, infidelity.

I think the overall message was of chasing hope (Esperanza) and finding self, but it didn’t come off nearly as strongly as the negative. I have a hard time seeing teens enjoying this. It is more the type of book to read because you want to dissect it and figure out what is beneath the surface.

Great cover - but misleading on what is on the pages.

[Stacy Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartsinger is about a man who was raised by deaf parents. His father had died while he was a young boy. Mee was in constant search to replace the radiant smile on his mother’s face that only his father could give, and was deeply disappointed when he could not succeed. In his distress, he became the singer of sorrows to travel the land and sing at funerals.

Mitou’s parents despised each other. They lived out their days yelling the harshest of profanities while Mitou could not escape the “ugly words.” She was conceived in anger and bitterness, and all she wanted to do was make the world sing and dance. Mitou’s musicality was highly sought after to lift the spirits of many broken hearts.

Mee and Mitou were born on the same day but lived on opposite sides of the land. They began their journeys for different reasons. Both, gifted in their own way, would come together to help the princess of the land overcome her affliction; only, then, to discover their own love for each other.

Heartsinger read like Grimm’s Fairy Tales. A Scholastic book, it was an easy read and a beautifully written novel for any child to understand. Karlijn Stoffels took the reader to a world where sorrow and pain existed only to discover that joy and love truly resides in every human being’s soul. Her artistic use of the English Language made one feel like a part of a never-ending fairy tale. A great read for anyone who enjoys fairy tales.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steeped in traditional fairy tales, this book offers a framing story and then a series of smaller stories that illuminate the many forms of that love can take. A boy whose parents are deaf and dumb, becomes a gifted singer who can reveal a person's life in his own mysterious language. A girl whose parents fight and curse nearly all the time, plays music that has everyone dancing and feeling merry. The two are destined to be together. As they slowly journey toward one another, readers get to see a princess who looks only into the mirror, a sailor's sweetheart who loves the sea she sees in her husband, and a fluting soldier who saves everyone he can.

Repetition, lilting phrases, and classic fairy tale characters keep this book closely tied to its tradition. Readers will immediately recognize the type of book they are reading, but will be amazed at the lyrical prose, the lack of sentimentality, and the power of this small book. Love here is seen not in saccharine sweetness, but in reality, sometimes obsessive, strangely brutal, and always powerful.

This book is a box of chocolates with hidden depths of spices and heat that surprise and delight. Highly recommended for teens who want a bit of classic tale and truth in their romance. Appropriate for ages 13-17.

[Lisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartsinger is such a cute story! I have never come across a story quite like this and I gotta say I loved it. :) I kinda wish they'd make a movie out of this because it would make an adorable kid's story. Of course, this is NOT just for kids.
Mee-oh mee!-is a cute little boy who has a gift for singing. He comes to be known as the "singer of sorrows" since he's able to make people in mourning feel better with his song. Mitou is a cute little girl who also has a gift, she can make people happy by performing lovely music.
Mee travels across the land singing for mourners, eventually he comes across Mitou. What will happen? hmmm you'll have to read Karlijn's book to find out. :D Trust me, you will thank me for telling you about this ADOWABLE (yes I spelled that with a w) little book, I say little because it's only about 134 pages long, but boy those are some great pages, story wise I mean, well the pages are pretty too hehe.
Heartsinger will make your heart sad at times, but when you're finished you will have this warm little spot in your heart because of it, it's just, it's cute okay? just read it!

[Deanna Day · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fantasy/Folklore, historical, storytelling, international book that was translated from Dutch to English.

This was a very interesting read about 2 children who have special gifts. Mee is the singer of sorrows. He sings others' stories to heal pain after someone passes away. He is sought by many families after a loved one dies to sing at funerals or memorial services. Mee is able to figure out right away how the families feel and begins singing the sadness and pain away.

Mitou, who was born on the same day/hour as Mee, is the merrymaker. She plays an accordion, dances and sings songs to cheer families up. She wears bright clothing too. When Mitou plays her accordion everyone leaves the fields, the classroom, the mill (whereever they are) to play and dance.

Both Mee and Mitou travel across the country helping people. For most of the book they individually help families (such as a seaman, horse master, lieutenant, army captain, etc), but eventually meet up to help a princess who stares into a mirror all day.

Beautiful language and a book I can see upper elementary and MS kids enjoying.

[Raina · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I was a kid, I loved reading all the various compilations of fairy and folk tales lying around my house. Retellings of familiar tales, or new exposure to a more obscure tale - I loved them all.

This started very strong, in the vein of those classic fairytale retellings. The opening is patient, and feels masterful and epic. It reminded me so much of those stories that I settled in for a comforting read.

Unfortunately, it lost that focus (and thus, a four-star rating). I can appreciate that perhaps this is a lost-in-translation issue, but I really felt confused as the author delves into long chapters telling the detailed backgrounds of very minor characters. At some points, I lost track of the primary plot.

And then it contained some men-can't-help-but-cheat propaganda that made my jaw drop. Oh, and I wish it had an edgier cover. At first I thought it should be moved to J, but after some sexual references, the sexist propaganda, and the nonlinear plot, I guess it can hang out in YA.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 = 3 1/2 stars.

I really liked the voice of this story, which is a great credit to the translator. I've tried to read some "classics" that were written in French or Russian, and the translation would make or break these books. So 5 stars to the translator!

The story was really interesting, told from the perspective of various different characters and the people they met along their journey, going into their past so that you understood who they are at the moment we meet them in the story. But the ending was so abrupt and confusing and quick and didn't really make sense? I don't know. It was really disappointing. It's a short book, only about 140 pages, so maybe if it was longer and the end of the story was allowed to happen a little more, be explained a little more, give it some more time . . .

[g · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read by Dutch author Karlijn Stoffels. It definitely falls under the "almost sickly sweet" category and there are times when the prose is overly dramatic (already returned the book so can't give examples. oops)--not sure if this is a reflection of the translator or the author. No matter, give this a try if your inner 13-year-old princess needs reassurance that happily-ever-after exists.


(One issue I have with this is the cover. It is so misleading! The book has a fairy tale-like quality to it but the cover does not convey that AT ALL. My first impression would be that this would be a teeny-bopper middle-grade novel, which it is in a sense, but the cover feels very contemporary while the novel has a timeless, not-of-this-time-period feel. Alright, I have officially moved on!)

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do opposites really attract? Mi’s parents were deaf and mute. As a youngster he developed a language all his own. When he was sent to school he quickly caught on. His teacher asked him to teach music classes at the school. He would sing songs to himself in his strange language and people would stop what they were doing to listen. Mi became known throughout the land as the singer of sorrows. He sang at funerals, fires and tragedies. Mitoo was born across the land on the same stormy day. She has heard of Mi and knows they are destined to be together in her heart. She has grown up entertaining people with her clown like ways. Can fate bring these polar opposites together?

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short and bittersweet fairy tale translated from the Norwegian. The story follows Mee, the child of deaf parents who has a beautiful singing voice. He takes a job as the Singer of Sorrows - which means he travels the countryside singing at funerals and deathbeds, resulting in a lot of interesting stories to share. Each vignette is only about 5 or 10 pages long and some are more affecting than others, but there are not a lot of happy endings here.

Nothing about this screams 'teen' to me but I can see why its being marketed that way. This might appeal to fairy tale fans who don't mind a little pathos along the way.

[Rhonda Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Mee, whose voice is more beautiful than any other's when he sings, and Mitou, who plays the accordian and has the gift to make every one happy. It is also about the people's paths that they cross that eventually bring them to each other. This is a love story - with the stories of other people's loves and how their lives bring Mee and Mitou together.

This is definitely one for high school and above. There is so much that you could discuss with this book - selflessness, death, abilities, love, and what people do to find love. It is interesting how the author takes each person's story and weaves it into the main characters lives. Amazing!!!

[Laura]

I'm not at all sure what to rate this book. Unlike many other reviewers, I didn't really find the fairy tale elements to be charming. Without all the added bits, this could have been as delightful as, say, The Common Princess but instead all the vignettes felt disorganized and all over the place. I do see what the author was doing, creating a story collection that could almost be read like Grimm, but I didn't end up enjoying it.

I do think that the problem is on my end, it is a cute story and the translation is good, but I was expecting something different.

[Carolynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Karlijn Stoffels' Heartsinger is her first appearance in the U.S. book world. It reminds me of the work of Isak Dinesen--an entirely original book that uses folk motifs and storytelling. Mee (this looks to us like the word "me" but in Dutch it would sound like "may") is a "singer of sorrows" who brings comfort to the mourners and grievers whose stories he sings. It is beautifully and poetically written--don't give up if you do not find it compelling in the first few chapters. It is worth it in the end.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light fantasy about Mee, a sorrow singer who travels from disaster to death, singing songs that bring comfort to those who need it. Mitou was born at the same time as Mee, and with the same signs, but she brings merriment to all who hear her play. Then the princess of the land of the island refuses to leave her reflection, so the two singers are recruited to try to cure her, but the two may learn more about themselves tha the princess.

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoy it when books surprise me, and it's been happening a lot lately. I thought this book, translated from the Dutch, was going to be cheesily poetic and boring. I was wrong!!!! The author tells the story in a totally nonlinear fashion by telling the stories of many different characters who don't seem to be related. The way their stories weave together is fascinating! And actually, taken independently of each other, the stories are beautiful and moving. I really liked this book.

[Tweller83 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was kind of strange and I'm not sure students would get into it. Summary says, "In this meditation on various kinds of love, Mee travels across the country to the court of the Princess Esperanza, singing the life stories of some of the people he meets." I didn't really get the whole jist or moral of this story and I don't think students will really understand it.

[Tracie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the premise of this story: a young man who can sing the lives of those who have passed and a young woman whose music is full of life are destined for each other. But there is no resolution and nothing is fully fleshed out. I really needed more: characters, story and resolution.

[Anna Hardesty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can see why some people claim that it's such a cute story, but honestly I was confused the whole time I was reading it. You can see the fine points of the story but at the same time you're wondering why it's worded like it is and it becomes extremely confusing.

[Phoebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would Nia like this! Heartsinger is written in an old fashioned form of a fairy tale. It is sad, but its characterization could use a little more show than tell. It really has a wonderful array of stories that all interlock by a common theme. Short, Norwegian and bittersweet.

[Pam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank goodness this book was a quick read. The author is trying way to hard. It is a series of fairy tales that aren't complete nor particularly compelling. Book Links recommended it as one of its foreign titles. Maybe it lost a lot in the translation from Dutch.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh, lovely fairy tale! short and sweet and a bit hearbreaking. apparently it's a Dutch story told in the manner of a fairy tale. I don't know if it's really a fairy tale, but according to my local Dutch contact, it's not one. still, lovely and enigmatic, as almost all fairy tales are to me.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't exactly what I was expecting. It was beautifully written -- almost lyrical. But, it was a very short book with several different stories that were loosely connected.

[AquaMoon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, sweet read. Check this one out if you're in the mood for a happy, feel-good ending.