What’s This?
Yep, it’s a new kind of book review! While I’m still planning on reviewing newer-ish books I’ve read, I also want to give some love to the novels that I was raised on. So what will be my criteria for these sorts of reviews?
- It is a book that was released at least 20 years ago (it is currently 2023, so that means any book published pre-2003 is fair game!).
- I have still read it recently (meaning within the last six months).
Some of the criteria may change as I continue with this series, but in any case, let’s get started!
Brief Synopsis
“Redwall” was written by Brian Jacques and originally published in 1986. In a world of talking animals, a young mouse named Matthias is living a peaceful life in the Redwall Abbey when it gets surrounded by the army of Cluny the Scourge, a one-eyed rat. Followed by visions of the legendary Martin the Warrior, Matthias seeks a powerful artifact that could save the Abbey.
Content Warnings: Violence (PG), Death
What Do I Think?
“Redwall” is a book so absurdly different from the sorts of stories that get published and yet, at the same time, is so wholeheartedly familiar, that one cannot help but be fascinated by it. It takes a story that should be entirely childish – anthropomorphic animals – and sets it to an epic, Arthurian scale. There’s a reluctant hero who doesn’t quite realize the destiny he is meant for, a ruthless antagonist who sets the bar for pure villainy, and a cast of memorable side characters whose stories fill this remarkably large novel.
Part of the reason for the novel’s length is that Jacques takes his time to ensure that the reader gets to know his characters – who they are, their wants and desires, their quirks, their favorite foods… For readers who are used to constant action, it might be an exercise in patience to get through, but doing so is well worth it, as once the plot really gets going, you genuinely worry about them and hope for their successes (and for the downfall of villains).
Part of what helps the story to not drag, especially in the beginning, is the alternating chapters between Matthias the mouse and Cluny the Scourge – Cluny’s chapters, while often short and succinct, provide a surprising amount of the depth and character development in the very beginning, allowing the reader to get a sense of who this villain is and exactly why they should hate him. There is such a stark contrast between protagonist and antagonist that, by the end, there is no doubt who you are supposed to root for, and whose downfall you are supposed to celebrate.
Adding to the depth is Jacques’ beautiful writing. Despite being a story about talking rodents, the writing is elegant and flowing. Descriptions of various places, characters, and (particularly) food take up pages upon pages, and yet do not fail to be engaging. Truly it is a shame that Jacques passed away in 2011, as he was a master storyteller.
Now you might be wondering at this point: “Sheesh! Is there anything you don’t like about this book?” And sadly…yes. “Redwall” is a captivating novel, and I have no doubt that nostalgia does cloud some of my judgement in evaluating it, but I can say that Redwall’s length works against it. As fascinating as many scenes are, and as wonderful as Jacques’ writing is, there are many, many smaller scenes or chapters that simply should have been cut on the editing floor. “Redwall” falls just over 100,000 words (a normal length for a young adult novel, nowadays), and as such there are certainly moments where the story overstays its welcome. Thankfully, this is primarily in the beginning-middle of the novel, and it is saved by a bombastic, heroic ending that rivals that of any Marvel movie.
“Redwall” is a classic children’s story that manages to hold up nearly four decades later. Though a lengthy tale that, at first glance, is rather childish, it is one that any reader, big or small, can wholeheartedly enjoy.
Jacob Ryckman 