Tuesdays at the Castle could have stood on its own and I
would have been satisfied. I am so glad it will be at least a trilogy. I read Tuesdays to my girls over a year ago and we
were enchanted. So much so that my youngest, at seven, purchased a paperback
copy at the first Scholastic book sale (There are notes in the margins). So
much so that my oldest wrote her first book report of her seventh grade year on
Tuesdays. So much so that my youngest
decided to write her own seven page summary. Her copy of the book AND the summary
were either in her book bag or next to her bed the ENTIRE school year. Charmed.
Perhaps enthralled.
It was like Christmas in July, when
I marched home with Wednesdays. And my girls were just as captivated and now eagerly awaiting “Thursdays”. I will share three, no four things
that I as the reading-aloud-adult noticed about the sequel. First, in a way it
is utterly different from the original novel that included intrigue, espionage,
pranks and assassinations. This novel is less dark and sinister. It revolves
around an egg that appears in a new tower and the castle goes out of its living
way to protect it and ensure that Celie, our main character from the first
novel, is the guardian of the creature that hatches from it. The tone is of nurturing
wonder and amazement. Life as opposed to death.
Second, the new novel goes in an
unforeseen direction. In Tuesdays, the castle protects, reassures and affirms Celie’s
royal family despite the horrible things that happen to the individual members.
The Castle Glower lends aid in the form of found objects and secret
passageways. The castle plays a supporting, yet vital role. In Wednesdays, the castle takes a starring role.
The book begins to tell the story, the history, of the castle. Every new room
added is a piece to a greater puzzle. The castle is laying out its history for
Celie and her siblings if they only pay attention. The creature in the egg is
the first clue. Oh, why don’t I? It’s right on the cover! The creature is a
mythical griffin!
Next, my only complaint. I prefer
books that complete a story arc within its covers. The perfect series will have
one solid overreaching arc that begins in book one and finds completion in the
final book. But each individual book will have its own conflict and resolution
separate from the larger picture. This book doesn’t have the lesser arc. It
begins an arc that ends abruptly. The last chapter is a major cliffhanger and
provides absolutely no resolution. I would be a VERY unhappy camper IF the book
had not taken a unique and completely unexpected turn. I am curious! I am keen
to learn! Forgiven.
Finally… this book is full of the
same childlike humor that the first book was loaded with. Children, forced to
grow up quickly due to circumstances, but still able to retain their childlike
sensibilities. Highly unusual in my opinion. Wait until you get to the part
where you meet “Flat Squirrel”! I could hardly get through the sentences; we
were all laughing sooooo hard!! I will highly recommend this series to girls 2nd
grade through junior high. Remember, my oldest is highly sensitive and much
prefers fantasies of the mythical creature comedy variety! And I don’t blame
her. This world could use a smile and a laugh now and again.