The elfin ship, Book 1

Riana.nothling

I bought this book in a second-hand bookstore in Hope, British Columbia, mainly because I am a sucker for cute cartoonish book covers. I have never heard of the author before and decided to give it a try. The biggest part of the book I read on a train journey between Toronto and Vancouver. I want to say that it was a pleasant read for a pleasant jouney, although that might make it sound like a mild story. Perhaps the first thing that made me so fond of this tale is how much I could relate to the main character, Jonathing Bing. Just and average guy, liking his cheese and wine and peaceful lifestyle next to the river. However, when opportunity for adventure came, it tugged at his heart nonetheless, despite all his doubts about himself ever doing anything that could be considered exciting. So, there the cheesemaker goes on an "adventure" with some weird, annoying people and at first, he wishes he was anywhere but on a raft going down a chilly river. This story is sweet and captivating, without having a childish feel about it. Although there were a few places where the action became a bit vague and confusing, this story has an enchanting quality to it and the characters are easy to envision. I loved the way that Blaylock puts a new twist on the man-in-the-moon theme, turning it into something almost mystical. I am still sad that I left my early edition copy behind in the hostel library in Vancouver!