The reluctant prophet comes full circle with the aid of various percipient animals in Mrs. L'Engle's verse-drama, offering an unusual entree into biblical themes. Jonah is obdurate, even truculent, as he refuses to warn the people of Nineveh of God's intentions: "It's too far away in the first place./ In the second place I hate cities./ And in the third place...Nineveh is the enemy." But the birds will not let him be: Jay is impudent, Owl pontificates, Catbird explains: "It's not so much that he isn't willing to be his brother's keeper, as that he quite naturally feels he has a right to choose Just who his brother is." Stoned in Gath-hepher (Catbird: "A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country"), Jonah departs "from your presence. And His." In his travels, more troubles: a turbulent sea ("cast me forth"); an admonition in the belly of the whale ("You shall listen to me until you see the light of day/ And that will be when you decide to have not your way/ But God's way"): at Nineveh, the warning from Jonah and repentance by the populace but no wrath from God—Judah is incensed; And then "the voice of the turtle is heard in the land:" "It is easy to destroy one's enemy without suffering/ but to love him is the most terrible of pain." The philosophical interplay between Jonah and the animals advances with an easy, ironical wit that only occasionaly turns into farce, and the characterization of each is distinctive and vivid. This can be staged (and has been) but it makes intriguing reading also for the receptive young person.
Pub Date: Sept. 15, 1967
ISBN: 0374438587
Page Count: 72
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Review Posted Online: Oct. 17, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1967
1886
Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-670-88104-X
Page Count: 82
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
Gerstein (Absolutely Awful Alphabet, 1999, etc.) retells the tale of Queen Esther’s plight, making the origins of Purim and its lessons shine. The well-known events of the tale are well told: When the wealthy king of Persia selects the beautiful Esther as his new wife, her cousin Mordecai warns her not to tell the king she is Jewish; Haman concocts his devious plan; Mordecai saves the king from poisoning, etc. Unlike Cathy Goldberg Fishman’s On Purim (2000), which makes the origins of Purim secondary to the preparations for the celebration, Gerstein offers in-depth portrayals of the principal characters. He rounds out the story in the depiction of Esther’s devotion to Mordecai, the king’s growing affection for his queen, and his gullibility at the hands of the villainous prime minister. Colorful illustrations shimmer with the vibrant hues of Persia, with lush purple, orange, and yellow mingling to vivid effect. Eminently readable, this biblical tale of evil vanquished and innocence saved contains an important message about strength of character that speaks to all children, regardless of their faith. (Picture book. 5-10)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-689-81372-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2000
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
bookshelf
