A Squirrel's Tale
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- £5.49
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- £5.49
Publisher Description
A Squirrel’s Tale is an animal fiction fantasy story for the 10+ age group to adults as seen through the eyes of a juvenile, orphaned red squirrel.
The forests of South West Scotland provide the backdrop to the story, home to the last major colony of red squirrels in Britain. As long as time itself, a natural order has governed this peaceful squirrel population. It is their steadfast belief that “The Lord of the Sky,” the Maker of all things, watches over them, and their reverent understanding that nature’s way is his will. To most squirrels, their world operates in a basically benign fashion. It can be fierce, competitive, even hazardous, at times, but this occurs only out of necessity and represents an essential condition of existence. Rusty, a loner and orphaned juvenile red squirrel however is not content. Deep down, he feels that the Lord of the Sky has ordained a special purpose for him. In his vivid dreams, he constantly challenges the Lord of the Sky to reveal his calling. Many squirrels view him as strange and eccentric, so he spends much of his time away from the Clan.
One spring morning the diminutive Rusty is exploring the farthest part of the forest where a small group of Reds have recently settled. Undetected, he witnesses their brutal murder by a bloodthirsty band of grey squirrels. Abaddon, their ferocious leader has brought his hordes of Greys North, his aim, to kill all red squirrels once and for all.
Rusty must warn the main Clan. Outnumbered they will have to overcome all odds and fight for the very survival of their species.
Customer Reviews
Wonderful! One for all ages
I did not expect this book to be so compelling. After all, the characters are all squirrels, suggesting that this is a children's book. As it turns out, A Squirrel’s Tale is wonderful for children(older though 12+), but also solid fare for young adults. It doesn’t have the same complexities that Lord of the Rings has but nevertheless it fills a certain niche perfectly. Full of beautiful writing, suspense and great characters – I particularly liked Kurn, this book can please a wide variety of ages
The writing remains vibrant throughout the story and moves you quickly through to the climatic ending which has an interesting twist. This story could have been written using human characters as many of the issues raised are very relevant to today’s society yet the author risked losing the older audience by using animals. The strategy works really well and the use of grey and red squirrels to push out polarized viewpoints demonstrates perfectly the extreme views that we as human beings have that cause devastation and war in our society. There are parts of the book through the stories of Dewdrop that really make you reflect on what the wise old squirrel says.
The characters are well put together and it is easy to envision the civilized, kind-hearted red squirrels against the cold hearted Greys led by the murderous Abaddon – a truly evil character - mean, ugly, ruthless and fearsome.
Abaddon is intent on killing the red squirrel Clan (- the writer refers to the groups as Clans which I’m assuming is a reference to the fact that the story takes place in Scotland.) who have lived peacefully in a secluded part of Scotland for generations. This is where the last sustainable population of red squirrel’s in the whole of Britain live- that’s something I didn’t know. So the stakes are high for them to win this one!
Clearly this is a tale of good against evil, as compassionate heroes oppose heartless destroyers.
Yet again the book surprised me: the scenes are extremely engaging, the battle with the pine marten I thought was great.
The author draws upon a huge variety of classic themes, archetypes and story elements. A real coming-to-age quest for manhood for Rusty; the humble, soul who becomes a hero; and sure it has all been done before, but it is written so well that it feels refreshing and his dream sequences does add something fresh to his journey.
I definitely recommend A Squirrel’s Tale, especially to young adults and adults alike who appreciate great story telling and adventure and want a feel good ending. It features likeable good-hearted heroes who courageously confront the evil of the world and suffer poignant deaths. It reflects the author's great imagination and optimism. Nice work! Well worth buying.