The Fisherman's Son [Paperback]

A key component of the fantasy genre is the quest and a quest makes up most of this enjoyable novel by Marilyn Peake. Designed for the pre-teen reader, this novel revolves around Wiley O'Mara, son a local fisherman.

Wiley lives on an unspecified island high in the North Atlantic. A killing fever has swept through the village community he calls home taking many lives. His mother lies gravely ill and without any help from his alcoholic father, he tends to her the best he can. The long illness and vigil have taken a toll on him and despite his best efforts and intentions, he falls asleep during one long winter night. He awakens the next morning to find his father gone, most likely either at sea fishing or on another alcoholic binge and his mother dead.

The weight of local custom falls heavily upon his shoulders. A wake must be held and the nearest priest is in the next village. The quickest and most direct route is through the neighboring forest, which is the lair of a dangerous multi eyed beast. Wiley at twelve years old is determined to honor his Mother's memory as required, and sets out to reach the next village. Before long he confronts the beast deep in the forest as well as other creatures that seem imbued with magical properties. He also has a vision of a lovely woman floating in time and space with a message for him and him alone.

Not only must he get to the village and bring back the priest for his Mother's wake, there is another task to be done through the use of magic. He has the power with in himself as well as through the aid of other creatures to help people from a time long past once again breath free.

This rich, fun read is perfect for the pre-teen reader. There is a minimum of violence, plenty of action and historical lessons, as well as an appreciation of nature, beauty and magic. Wiley learns empathy for others as well as an appreciation of the world around him, past and present. He also learns responsibility as well as the need to follow through no matter how difficult the task to achieve the goal.

This novel reminded me strongly of "The Magic Tree House Series." There is that same wonder and joy at exploring the unknown as well as a balance between magic and reality. Along the way, subtle life lessons are taught that fit child and adult alike. This was a wonderful book and well worth the read.

When it's time to introduce a child to beautiful language in a book she can read herself, A Fisherman's Son might well be an excellent choice.

Writing her first children's novel, psychologist Marilyn Peake brings the elements of the tales we cut our teeth on up to a level for a child who's a bit older. The protagonist is a boy of twelve who is forced to grow up quickly. He loses his mother, his father is absent and, when he senses his own destiny, he must find the courage to face the trials posed by many of the greatest myths including those of the Greeks.

The story has the flavor of time-honored tales partially because it is so well-rooted in tradition. There are talking animals, an imaginative lost city, a dragon-like nemesis and more. Even the narrative style evokes the feeling imparted by fairy tales.

This book might be a good choice for a child who is having difficulty learning to read. The type is double spaced making for easy sight reading and the quick turning of pages. This is also a good format for younger readers to try reading silently on their own.

The language in Fisherman is not so roseate that it deters a reader but occasionally delights nonetheless. Consider:

"...a yellow ball..rolled by...Had it not been for its brilliant turquoise blue eyes, Wiley
would have assumed the fish was a child's lost toy."

One caveat: Many reviewers have classified this book at Young Adult. Perhaps it can't be easy categorized, but I believe that "Young Readers" would work better. Though a fantasy, it is not woven with the intricacy that readers from thirteen to eighteen would demand.
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(Carolyn Howard-Johnson's first novel, This is the Place, has won eight awards. Her newly released Harkening has won three.)