Westmark (Hardcover)

When was the last time you thought about whether or not it is right to kill someone? Is it ever right to kill someone? Yes? No? Are you sure? To help you with this difficult question, Westmark is an adventurous read that makes you think about the difference between right and wrong. Lloyd Alexander has realistically crafted a tale focusing on the struggles of one virtuous character, Theo.
The story begins with Theo working as a newspaper apprentice to his master named Anton. Theo is an orphan and had several other jobs before Anton took him in. These jobs consisted of ones such as a cooper, a person who repairs barrels. Eventually, he ended up being Anton's apprentice, Theo thinks of him as a father. It seems as if life is going well.
However, one day Theo accepts a request to write an article from a mysterious and wealthy character. With the offer of money, Theo could not refuse and agreed to have the article done by 9:00 AM the next day. Although he considered this task to be pretty impossible, he got himself pretty far along by the time Anton came home and began to help. The two worked diligently until interrupted by a visit from Militia Men. They had come to do a routine inspection, which had not gone as smoothly as planned. This, my fellow readers, is the start of it all. Don't know what "all" refers to? Then I suggest you get a move on and read the book. When you finally do find out, don't worry, because it doesn't end there.
During the story, Theo has two encounters with Las Bombas and Musket. The first was inside a coach after traveling from his hometown Dorning. Musket wanted Theo to leave and after pleading, Theo eventually managed to persuade Musket partially. Musket told him to wait and not go anywhere while he went to get Las Bombas. Las Bombas briefly spoke with Theo about his problems and suggested that he not go back to town. Las Bombas also hinted as to where Theo should go, which ended up being through the fields. Theo took his advice which lead to where they met up again.
During the second encounter, Las Bombas persuaded Theo to go with him. Afterwards, they traveled together and met up with Mickle. At the time she was an unhealthily skinny person. Mickle messed up one of Las Bombas' schemes by throwing her voice an object that was supposed to act as a fortune teller. They ended up making a lot of money which was enough to convince Las Bombas that she would be useful. Despite Las Bombas' scheming nature, Theo was fond of him. Musket would always mind his own business and went along with everything and Mickle is a sensitive girl who up front, pretends to be tough. Her and Theo became really close over time.
Westmark is told in third person and even though it may seem realistic, it is actually a science fiction/fantasy novel as well. The realness of the story connects mostly through Theo. Throughout the story as Theo worked with his friends and watched them trick people out of money, he realized for one of the first times that his own dignity is wavering. Later on, he observed one of his friends named Florian shoot people without hesitation and struggled even more. He found much conflict in his need to be virtuous and dignified. Unfortunately, since the world revolves around such dishonest acts, Theo had a lot coming to him.
I highly recommend Westmark by Lloyd Alexander. He has done an excellent job of weaving a quilt filled with adventure, personal conflict and moral. This book concentrates on realistic issues which helps bring the story to life before your very own eyes. I was captivated by the unfailing suspense, barely allowing me to put the book down. If you need guidance deciding between what's wrong and right in the world, Westmark is the book for you. Regret, you will not feel.

From there, he takes up with several colorful characters that could only spring from the imagination of Lloyd Alexander. Las Bombas the con-man, the surly dwarf Musket, the urchin girl Mickel, and Theo compose an eclectic company of rogues trying to make their way through troubled times. Add to that the charismatic revolutionary Florian and his band of rebels, and Theo's entire world is a whirlwind of activity and uncertainty.

"Westmark" sets up a great tale of romance, warfare, political intrigue, and personal discovery that makes it a true delight to read, as well as a page turning adventure. Theo especially must come to terms with his life, the youth that he's been, and the man that he wants to become. Although technically a young adult novel, Alexander takes on several serious issues in this novel, such as censorship, violence, and morality, all of which make it a thought provoking and entertaining read. Lloyd Alexander delivers a masterpiece, and the best part is that after "Westmark", there are still two more books to read.