Title: The Prophet of Yonwood
Author: Jeanne DuPrau
First published May 9, 2006
289 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780440421245 (ISBN10: 0440421241)
Rating: 3.29
Overview
Meet Nickie, a curious and adventurous eleven-year-old girl whose father was sent away on a mysterious government project. With the opportunity to move to a new town, Nickie jumps at the chance for a fresh start.
But Yonwood, North Carolina, isn’t quite what she expected. The town is filled with suspicion and mistrust, and one person’s visions of fire and destruction have turned the citizens against each other.
As Nickie explores the peculiarities around her, including her great-grandfather’s mysterious journals and a reclusive neighbor who studies the stars, she realizes that the world may be on the brink of a devastating war. Can Nickie find a way to help before it’s too late?
Join her on a thrilling adventure in Jeanne DuPrau’s The Prophet of Yonwood.
About the Author
Writing is not an easy task for Jeanne DuPrau. She spends hours in front of her computer every day, coming up with sentences that would fit her stories.
One of her favorite quotes from Thomas Mann is what keeps her going: “A writer is someone for whom writing is harder than it is for other people.” This quote gives her courage to take on the challenge of writing. Although it can be tough to choose the right words and decide what happens next in a story, she finds writing to be the most satisfying thing she knows how to do.
Jeanne DuPrau has written four novels, six books of nonfiction, and has also written several essays and stories. However, she doesn’t write all the time.
She also enjoys puttering around in her garden. She lives in California, where she can grow a variety of plants, from apples to zinnias.
Even though Jeanne DuPrau doesn’t have any children, she has a dog named Ethan, as well as two nephews and a niece. Ethan lives with her and they get along well, even though they have different interests.
Jeanne loves to read, while Ethan is not a big fan of it. On the other hand, Jeanne is not very fond of chasing squirrels, which is something Ethan enjoys.
However, they both enjoy going on walks, taking naps, and going on surprise trips in the car. Ethan also likes to help Jeanne out in the garden.
Editoral Review
Jeanne DuPraus The Prophet of Yonwood is a thrilling addition to the authors post-apocalyptic Ember series, which explores the remnants of a society destroyed by war and pollution. Published on May 9, 2006, this young adult novel is set before the events of the first book, The City of Ember, and provides insight into the origins of the civilization that built the underground city.
The Prophet of Yonwood is a mix of genres, combining elements of science fiction, mystery, and adventure. DuPraus writing style is accessible and engaging, with a focus on character development and world-building.
The themes of the novel revolve around the nature of human morality, the dangers of religious fanaticism, and the importance of empathy in times of crisis. The story follows a young girl named Nickie, who is sent to Yonwood, a small town in the South, to help her aunt sell a property.
However, Nickie soon becomes embroiled in a local conflict spurred by the predictions of a mysterious prophet, who claims that the end of the world is near. As tensions rise and alliances form, Nickie must navigate the complex moral landscape of Yonwood to prevent disaster.
DuPrau does an excellent job of bringing the town of Yonwood to life, with its quirky inhabitants, picturesque scenery, and haunting atmosphere. The characters are well-drawn, from Nickies determined spirit to the prophets eerie charisma.
The conflicts in the novel are nuanced and thought-provoking, with no easy answers or clear villains. While the novel is primarily aimed at young adult readers, it has broader appeal due to its philosophical themes and intricate plot.
The historical and cultural significance of the book lies in its exploration of the dangers of religious extremism and the need for rational thinking in times of uncertainty. This message is particularly relevant in todays world, where the rise of conspiracy theories and intolerance threatens to destabilize societies.
Despite its many strengths, The Prophet of Yonwood does have some flaws. Some readers may find the pacing of the novel slow, as it takes time to establish the setting and characters.
Additionally, the message of the novel can be heavy-handed at times, with the dialogue and actions of the characters serving as thinly veiled metaphors. Overall, The Prophet of Yonwood is a well-crafted and thought-provoking novel that explores complex philosophical ideas in the context of an engaging adventure story.
DuPraus writing is compelling and accessible, bringing to life a fascinating post-apocalyptic world. The book is recommended for young adult readers and anyone interested in exploring the intersections of morality, religion, and rationalism.
Rating: 4/5
