Redwall

It's always a pleasure when I get to return to Redwall Abbey, it's such a pleasant experience. Picking this up and reading about the peaceful lives of the creatures there, and their magnificent food, fills you up with a cozy feeling.

This is the book I'm most familiar with, I picked it up from my library looking for something new to read, the illustration of the protagonist Matthias by Troy Howell really grabbed my attention. The beautiful abbey juxtaposed with the looming rat horde seemed to flow right out of the cover. The story is a classic fantasy adventure of good vs evil. Although it's not the most original tale ever told, it's a good story and that's what makes it so pleasant to read.

The residents of Redwall Abbey are a peaceful order of monks who believe in healing and taking care of each other. I like that the author took great care in not delving to deep on the religious nature of the order, these were simply monks honor bound to help each other because it was good. There is an ambiguity there I think is important for a children's book. Care was taken to ensure that good deeds done to help your fellow man (mouse?) were honorable no matter who you were.

These peaceful woodland creatures are attacked by none other than Cluny the Scourge. A villainous sea rat from across the great oceans. Just saying Cluny's name gives you an idea of how insidious he is. He's a wicked, cunning, and loathsome sort of fellow. Although he is repugnant, you can't help but take a shine to such a villain. He's ruthless and mirthful even when his own horde are maimed and harmed.

I'm unsure if Brian Jacques read Watership Down, but I can't help finding the prose and pace similar in tone, and style. I'd love to know if their paths crossed or they read each other's works. Many of the same themes about trust, bravery, and friendship come into play.

What I find enjoyable about Redwall is the themes of friendship, loyalty, and evolution in order to survive in an uncertain world. Matthias must make the transformation from monk to warrior. It's this journey that makes the story so entertaining. The cast of characters is really interesting and I'm impressed at all the different species that are included. You also get some excellent names like “Cornflower”,”Log-a-Log” and ”King Bull Sparra”. Also the author is well known for his depictions of food. You'll want to try all the food and drinks he mentions.

To become like the warrior of legend “Martin”, Matthias needs to obtain the sword of legend. It's through these sets of trials that Matthias becomes a warrior and also how the story really picks up pace. Matthias must solve ancient riddles, befriend savage sparrows, climb into a giant vipers den, and ultimately face Cluny himself. I love how each chapter of the story bounces in between Cluny and Matthias. Their stories are the inverse of each other pulled along by destiny. It's this rhythm of Cluny attacking the abbey with a new scheme while Matthias looks for the sword that keeps you hooked. The stakes are high and time is of the utmost importance. The Joseph Bell that rings in Redwall Abbey is an interesting symbol of the times changing, and also heralding of doom for either the hero or the villain.

I enjoyed this book immensely, and was thrilled when I discovered there was also an animated series of it on PBS. I watched it many times when it first aired, and re watching it recently, I think it holds up nicely today. The audio book read by Brian Jacques is also quite excellent. His animal accents, especially the Molespeak, is really unique to listen too. If you are shorter on time that's the way to go.

Some things don't stand the test of time, but I think this one does for me. Redwall Rules!

Overall I give Redwall: B+