Title: Mariel of Redwall
Author: Brian Jacques
First published January 1, 1991
400 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780142302392 (ISBN10: 0142302392)
Rating: 3.99
Overview
Mariel and her father Joseph the Bellmaker set sail on a mouse-ship, only to be attacked by the ruthless pirate rat Gabool and his crew of cut-throats. Mariel and Joseph are thrown overboard, left to fend for themselves in the treacherous sea.
Miraculously, Mariel washes ashore and is taken in by the kind-hearted animals of Redwall Abbey. However, her father is presumed dead, and Mariel is filled with a fierce desire for revenge against the pirates who took her family from her.
With the help of her new animal friends, Mariel sets out on a perilous quest to recover a precious bell and bring justice to her father’s memory. Will Mariel be able to overcome the odds and succeed in her quest for vengeance?
Find out in this thrilling fifth volume of the Redwall series by Brian Jacques.
About the Author
Brian Jacques was a renowned author, born in Liverpool, England on June 15th, 1939. His family roots can be traced back to County Cork, Ireland, like forty percent of the population in Liverpool.
As a child, he attended St. John’s School, which had an unusual playground on its roof in the Liverpool docks area. One day, at the age of ten, Brian was given an assignment to write a story about animals.
He wrote a creative story about a bird cleaning a crocodile’s teeth. His teacher disbelieved that a ten-year-old could write so well and caned him for being a liar when he refused to say that he had copied the story.
This incident made Brian realize his talent for writing.
Brian wrote his first book, Redwall, for the children at the Royal Wavertree School for the Blind in Liverpool. He was a truck driver and delivered milk to the school.
He made his style of writing descriptive to help the schoolchildren imagine the story. Brian remained a patron of the school until his passing.
Brian lived in Liverpool with his two grown sons, Marc and David. David is a professor of Art and a muralist, and his artwork can be seen worldwide.
Brian also hosted a weekly radio show on BBC Radio Merseyside, where he shared his wit and played opera music.
When Brian wasn’t writing, he enjoyed spending time with his dog Teddy, a white West Highland Terrier. He also enjoyed completing crossword puzzles and reading works of famous authors.
Mario Puzo, Damon Runyon, Richard Condon, Larry McMurty, and P.G. Wodehouse were among his favorite authors. Brian was also known to cook a delicious plate of spaghetti and meatballs.
Unfortunately, Brian passed away on February 5th, 2011, leaving behind a legacy of creative writing and inspiring readers worldwide.
Editoral Review
Mariel of Redwall by Brian Jacques is a beautifully crafted novel that transports readers to the imaginary world of Redwall Abbey. Published on January 1, 1991, the book is the fourth in the popular Redwall series, which has captivated audiences of all ages with its heroic animal characters, epic battles, and timeless themes of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery.
Born in Liverpool, England, in 1939, Brian Jacques was a prolific writer, playwright, and broadcaster, known for creating vivid and memorable worlds that spark the imagination and tug at the heartstrings. His Redwall series, which he began writing in 1986, has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and has been translated into dozens of languages.
Mariel of Redwall follows the adventures of a young mouse named Mariel, who along with her father Joseph, escapes from slavery on a ship, to seek out the fabled Redwall Abbey. There, they hope to find safety and a new life among the peaceful mice, badgers, and other creatures who dwell within its walls.
As Mariel and Joseph navigate through dangerous forests, with the forest protecting them and ensuring their safe passage, they soon discover that the ship’s captain and crew are, in fact, pursuing them, determined to recapture the escaped slaves. Along the way, Mariel befriends a group of loyal and courageous animals, including a hare, a squirrel, and a mole, all of whom must band together to overcome their foes and defend the Abbey against the fierce pirate captain.
Set against a backdrop of treacherous seas, sprawling forests, and enchanted ruins, Mariel of Redwall is a poignant and riveting tale of bravery and loyalty, love and sacrifice. Jacques’ vivid and imaginative descriptions are masterful in bringing the world of Redwall to life, with its complex and well-developed characters that readers can’t help but root for.
One of the strengths of the book lies in the character development of Mariel; she is a strong female lead who embodies courage, wit, and determination, a rare trait in a children’s novel in those days. As the story progresses, Mariel and the other characters undergo important transformations and learn valuable lessons about trust, perseverance, and friendship.
With its elegant prose and compassionate storytelling, Mariel of Redwall offers readers a poignant reminder of the power of humanity’s inner strength to overcome even the most formidable of foes. Jacques’ writing style is engaging and captivating, with a fast-paced plot and a strong sense of urgency and danger that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The dialogue is clever and witty, and the descriptions of the battles and action scenes are vivid and exhilarating, making the reader feel like they are right in the middle of the action. However, there are times when the dialogue and descriptions tend to be slightly repetitive, leaving the reader craving for more variety.
Additionally, some of the characterizations are somewhat stereotypical and formulaic – the evil pirates, for example, are one-dimensional and lack depth. Yet, these drawbacks are minor in comparison to the overall excellence of the book, and Jacques more than makes up for these minor flaws with his masterful storytelling and breathtaking landscapes.
In general, the quality of the writing, the characters, and the overall atmosphere of the novel are superb and demonstrate Jacques’ rare talent for telling captivating and inspiring stories. Mariel of Redwall is a beautiful book that should be cherished and enjoyed by all ages.
For young readers, it can serve as a valuable lesson in courage, integrity, and perseverance, while older readers will appreciate the timeless themes that remain as relevant today as they were years ago. Fans of fantasy, action, and adventure will love this book, with its intricate world-building, well-crafted characters, and captivating storyline.
On a scale of 1 to 10, Mariel of Redwall is a solid 8.5, leaving room for improvement but still a classic that will stand the test of time. Highly recommended!