Kate DiCamillo wrote this book at the behest of her best friends son (a young man I used to babysit) and I cannot thank him enough for imagining such an unlikely hero!
You may think that you are beyond children's books, but I think that you need to first, repent of that attitude, and second, pick up this book (it's $8) and delight in the frankness and charm of DiCamillo's narrative. There are several themes throughout the book, one that love, forgiveness and hope are ridiculous but essential qualities of the human (and human like) heart. Honor and love are displayed but not idolized (Despereaux's shining moment of courage is not devoid of the reality of his fear and the likelihood that he might not succeed) and even the good characters are shown to be complex, not wholly good people. Everyone will do something that is dark, but they also have the opportunity to repent and ask for forgivness. And forgiveness is the only way the heart is saved. Hmmm... how much more of the gospel can you put into a story?
I am beginning to belive that children's lit and fantasy are going to be the bastions of any kind of storytelling that will allow the gospel to flow out of it without having everyone freak out that you are writing a "Christian" story. This is a prime example of the delightful and beautiful effects of what Jesus has done for us. No matter your age (above about 8), you must read this book!
1 comment:
Do you have this book for me to borrow?
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