A Seventeenth Century Tale of a Young Man's Search for the Great Spirit
REVIEWS
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2020
I had to stop reading, go back, and get the audio book for this one because I could just tell it was perfect for listening. The narrator's voice (in the writing, not the audio) doesn't sound like how I would expect the character to sound, for example, it uses writer-ly wise language that doesn't match a young boy it's coming from, BUT, this makes it a perfect audiobook. Like listening to an old man tell me what happened when he was young and had this magical experience. It's a good story and having it 'told' to me rather than reading it myself, really take this from an ok experience to a great one. If I was a bed time story person, this would be my recommendation for that. There are even some environmental-esk sounds sprinkled into the audio here and there, and the reader has great dramatic tone when needed, which makes for a unique and special immersion and captures that boy-like tone I was missing from just reading it myself. Absolutely recommend.
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2020
I thought this book was the best one I have read in quite a while. I highly recommend it as an easy to read, fascinating story about the mid-1600s in New England. The concept that Jews and Indians were alike caused me to think a lot about this idea since I am Jewish. The author smoothly transitioned his protagonist through amazing scenarios and tied the whole thing together brilliantly.
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2019
Moon Flower is the second book from author Neil Perry, and like the first book, A Cobbler’s Tale, this book brings historical fiction to technicolor life. Here’s what I said in my review of the first book, and I can say the same thing about Moon Flower, “the author is a born storyteller and readers will be captivated by all the colorful characters and the dangers, schemes and plots that abound.” Moon Flower is a completely separate story, although as you read it, you will notice common themes. Moon Flower begins with the main character Lukas Pietersen introducing himself to us as an 18 year old living in New Amsterdam in the year 1675. Lukas is the son of Dutch Jews who have a business trading with the natives for beaver pelts. Lukas’ life takes a different turn, “I left home in late June of 1675 to become a warrior of the Pequawket Turtle Clan.” Becoming a warrior proves to be mystical and life changing for Lukas. “A warrior’s life is one of intent and purpose. A warrior acts out of love for others.” With his superb story telling skills, the author takes warrior Lukas though many amazing adventures in the American colonies, as well as In Amsterdam and Africa. Lukas becomes a warrior for justice and human rights. “You are fighting an evil, men who do not honor the Great Spirit.” “The plight of the Jews was much like that of the native peoples I lived with.” This book is packed with action and adventure and again shows us the meaningful word pictures that Author Gordon creates so well. This book will appeal to many readers-those who like to learn about different cultures and beliefs, and those who like vivid characters, action and adventure. I especially encourage YA readers to give this book a try. Thanks to the author for a review copy. This is my honest review.
Comments