Read for: Challenge with Rhinoa
Although considered by many to be one of the greatest classic children's fantasy novels of the last few decades, The Last Unicorn is largely unknown this side of the Atlantic. Now I will confess to having seen the animated film adaptation only once, as an adult, and really was not particularly impressed. But then, with many films, it is hard to appreciate them as an adult, when you didn't grow up with them, so I gave the book a chance.
The Last Unicorn is exactly that. A unicorn quite happily living her sheltered existence in her forest, until she overhears two hunters talking, and realises that she may indeed be the last living unicorn. She leaves the wood in search of her kin, only to be caught by Mommy Fortuna, and caged as part of her travelling menagerie. She is rescued by the mysterious Schmendrick the Magician who joins her on her journey. The two companions seek King Haggard and his Red Bull, en route encountering many hazardous situations and a new friend, Molly Grue.
Although based in fairy tale, with poetic prose and characters from myth and legend, The Last Unicorn feels somewhat conflicted. In places far more mature than a simple children's fairy tale, much of the story feels far too adult to be understood or appreciated by younger readers. At its heart, it is a tale of seeking what was lost, and accepting what can never be. A beautiful yet sad and bittersweet tale, and altogether a very pleasant surprise for this reader. And as with so many books I have recently read, it was the writing that I loved the most, here is a little taste.
"The unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived alone. She was very old, though she did not know it, and she was no longer the careless colour of sea foam but rather the colour of snow falling on a moonlit night. But her eyes were still clear and unwearied, and she still moved like a shadow on the sea."
Thoroughly recommended for lovers of fairy tale and fantasy alike. And hopefully the first of many Beagle novels for me.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
The Last Unicorn - Peter S Beagle
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
12 comments:
I've never heard of this one, sadly. It seems really sweet. The excerpt your gave seems a bit advanced for a children's story, though! I'm not much of a fantasy fan, but this book seems worth the read all the same!
Emidy
from Une Parole
this seems like a worthwhile read and the writing sounds lovely.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
This is my favorite book. To me, it is the perfect melding of fantasy, humor, allegory, and artistry. Though I read it as a child first, I think it would be a mistake to characterize it as a children's book. It shares the same niche as "The Little Prince" - I have no name for the genre.
I was not very enamoured with Beagle's other works, but I wouldn't discourage reading them. I haven't read his entire corpus, but I would recommend "Tamsin" if you're in the market for another Beagle novel.
Oh, and I have a black cat named Schmendrick.
I have never read the novel but owned the movie since I was small. My sister and I as adults continue to mimic scenes from the movie. I recently bought the anniversary edition on DVD. The movie does not depict the same lyrical style and nuances from the excerpt you placed. The words immediately hit your heart and you feel her and see her. I had no idea she old unil I read your excerpt. A tremendous story with many levels and stages of life.
Wonderful!
I read this a couple years ago, but I didn't like it...
I vaguely remember seeing the animated movie but I wasn't aware it was a book.
i watched The Last Unicorn when i was a child...and it haunted me for a very long time. that sense of wonder and melancholy never abated even after watching the film three to four times over. never read the book, however. will do so.
Glad you got around to reading it and enjoyed it :) As you know I loved the film as a child and still adore it and the book. I am glad you discovered Beagle and hope you do read more by him.
Emidy - I hadn't heard much about Beagle before I started blogging. Although classed as a children's book, I certainly would not bill it solely as one.
Naida - The writing is fabulous and definitely worth it.
Win - I couldn't agree more about the cross genre. And I will definitely be reading Tamsin, thanks!
Over Opinionated - There's nothing like loving a film since childhood! The book certainly has greater depth than the film.
Kailana - Shame, but I can see that the writing isn't for everyone.
Ladytink - The book is very different to the film, but worth a read for anyone who enjoys fairy tales.
Linz - Glad you loved the film and I do hope you like the book too.
Rhinoa - Thanks lady, you were so right about the book, but I stand by my guns...not a fan of the film!
I am a fan of the animated film as well as the book. I've always found the Japanese anime style lovely, and I disagree with Opinionated - I find the film to be very lyrical, to the extent that I can easily recite the dialogue due to the lilt and inflection and pacing. (I've discovered the same phenomenon with Disney's "Peter Pan" and other early Disney films.) I think it is noteworthy to mention that Peter Beagle wrote the screenplay himself. I have no criticism for the film except regarding the songs sung by Lir and Amalthea. The lyrics are cheesy, but that fits the motif. No, it's their voices I can't stand. The woman singing Amalthea makes me want to bash my head against a wall. Not only does she have a country twang, she's tone-deaf. WTF.
Sounds enchanting... I'm reserving this read for the Once Upon a Time challenge! and I can't wait:)
Win - I do enjoy Japanese anime, but I don't remember enjoy the film much. The book however was so lovely that I could possibly be tempted to try again. But yes, the singing was a bit much!
Valentina - I really hope you enjoy it!
Post a Comment