The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
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Book Reviews of The Last Unicorn
Book Review: A Fun Read for All Ages!!
Summary: 5 Stars
For Christmas I received a book titled, "The Last Unicorn". I have never read or heard of this tale but I am a huge fan of mythical creatures and mythology and after reading the synopsis on the back, I knew this was going to be a book I would enjoy reading. Thank you to Bobby who was the kind person who gave this gift to me.
The story is about a unicorn, no surprise here as the title clearly explains that, who embarks on a quest to find others of her kind. She steps out of her forest home and steps into an adventure full of mystery and magic. She meets up with a magician named Schmendrick; he helps in rescuing her from the clutches of Mommy Fortuna's Midnight Carnival. Her other companion is a woman named Molly who is a big believer in Unicorns and legends. This threesome makes their way to King Haggard's castle to find the Red Bull, who is believed to have captured all the unicorns.
There is so much more to the story than the simple synopsis I wrote above but I don't want to give away any of the fun adventures the unicorn finds herself in. I will say that if you have children or if you would like to read a fun tale that is simply written, then this is a book you want to pick up.
The story is told in a wonderful way that will awaken your imagination. Plus the story isn't a one dimension tale but a multi directional story. Each new person the unicorn meets brings another layer to the story and enhances the main plot. And although the story was written for the young reader, adults will also become involved in the tragic tale of truth, love, and of the consequences that result in the choices we make.
Five stars for this book - The Last Unicorn!
For more reviews, check out my blog at decemberjoy.wordress.com
Book Review: not good b/c it's a classic, but a classic b/c it's good!
Summary: 5 Stars
Oh, if only I had read this book earlier! I only read it for the first time a couple of years ago in a college Fantasy lit. class, and it was arguably the best single volume fantasy tale I had and have ever encountered. I had known of it for some time, but refrained from reading it because I was stupid and didn't think that unicorns were "cool." Oh, but they are. They are indeed.
This story is incredibly beautiful. It is a fairy tale, but don't let that turn you off to it. It's also post-modern, but don't let that turn you off either. It is the best of both worlds, a unique blend that is really a tribute to the magic of the fantasy genre itself. Anyone who has ever loved magic or simply good reading should pick this up.
The characters are wonderful. My favorites are Captain Cully, a kind of self-proclaimed Robin Hood, and Lir, the ultimate embodiment of innocence and heroism. It is Lir that really makes the book for me. In his never-ending quest to win the heart of the Lady Amalthea (the unicorn in human form), he exhibits a very pure love. His courage moved me to tears as few heroes ever have.
The writing is excellent. Peter Beagle is the best writer ever in my book. His words are never difficult, but they're also never less than magnificent. One line I'll never forget from Unicorn is "the tiny, dry sound of a spider weeping" (isn't that just awesome?). He hasn't written many novels, so it's definitely possible and worth your while to read them all. While this is his most famous, I most highly recommend A Fine and Private Place, the most touching love story I've ever read.
I've never seen the movie. I'm sure it's great. But don't miss out on experiencing the beauty of Beagle's prose. It's nothing short of masterful.
Book Review: The poetry is captivating...
Summary: 5 Stars
I grew up with the movie, accidentally discovered in a movie rental store and recorded on a partially blank VHS tape. Through the years, the music and the butterfly's voice have stuck with me, following me during the years when the tape was deeply burried in a too large video collection. Growing up, unicorns were a central part of my life, which I attribute to this captivating story. During junior high and much of high school, this was a part of me I abandoned for slightly more mainstream interests. The movie was recently rediscovered, and in a whirlwind I was demanding the book (and a DVD version of the cartoon) for Christmas.
I consider myself something of a writer, and I pay very close attention to the writings of others. Beagle's is a very poetic voice, and it never once wavers. Many authors punch out a few memorable lines and surround them with generics, but Beagle's style is consistent and beautifully so.
The story is even better, which really isn't a surprise - it's rare to find a movie that's better than the book on which it is based. I particularly loved Schmendrick, who was delightfully entertaining in the cartoon but rather lacking in depth of character. He, along with Molly Grue and the unicorn, was much more fleshed out. Dimensions to these characters hidden in the film were revealed, and they added so much more to the story.
Of everything, I most enjoyed the poetic voice. It is a book you can read simply for the beautiful, lyrical language, if nothing else.
I can't wait until December of this year for the live action movie, the script of which was written by Beagle himself (like the cartoon). There is so much that can be done with this book, but I highly doubt anything can surpass it.
Book Review: A Dark, Philosophical Fantasy that should certainly not be classified as young adults' fiction.
Summary: 5 Stars
I like Peter S Beagle because even though his stories are set in mythical worlds or the spirit world they deal with grave issues of human existence that unsettle the reader.
I discovered this wonderful author through the animated version of The Last Unicorn, which I had watched as a child. The cartoon was so disturbing (in a good way) that years later images from it would flash in my mind. It was only recently that I discovered that it was an adaptation and immediately purchased the novel.
While the animated version has its own hypnotic allure, the novel is a million times better. Written in a lyrical style that is almost dream-like, the novel narrates the story of a solitary unicorn who leaves her forest in search of her kind. Her journey leads her to friendship, danger, human experience and even love that is impossible.
What draws me to the novel is the almost morbid tone that pervades the greater part of the novel and the philosophic element of the prose.
The novel deals with friendship, loyalty, what it means to be immortal and the pangs of human existence. Reading the novel I was glad that I am mortal, for harbouring sorrow, loss and regret for eternity is a far greater torture than fear of death.
Though the novel does not end in the traditional fairy tale mode, it is a satisfying ending that resurges all the themes discussed in the novel. You will be haunted by this story for a very long time.
My only problem with the novel is that it is classified as young adults' fiction. This might deflect an adult readership. Don't be misguided by the classification. This is a novel that can be read at various levels and enjoyed by all.
Book Review: A enchanting fantasy
Summary: 5 Stars
A unicorn overhears some hunters talking as they pass through her forest. They say that unicorns are gone from the world. The unicorn is so shocked that she makes up her mind to leave her forest and search for the other unicorns. She learns that she is indeed the last of her kind and that unicorns have been gone so long, people no longer know what they look like. The sad unicorn continues on her quest and meets an unforgetable cast of characters. There's a lot of obstacles that she goes through and I won't spoil it for you, but just be prepared for a really touching ending!When I was little, I loved to watch the movie version of THE LAST UNICORN. I was going through a phase of horses, ponies, unicorns, and flying horses, so nothing pleased me more than that mystical animation, though the drawing was a bit rough and I didn't really understand it. Recently, my little sister discovered the tape lying about the house and proceeded to watch it. Now she too is caught in the frenzy. I watched it with her more than a couple of times and marveled at the delightful story with its original plot that I missed when I was young. I discovered that there was a book and managed to get a hold of a copy. . . .
THE LAST UNICORN was a fantastic read and now ranks as one of my favorite fantasy books, though the text is a bit easy. The book provides the unicorn fan with details that satisfy. However, I wasn't able to enjoy it as well because it is almost exactly like the movie, which I found really disappointing becuase I was hoping for a bit more. ...Oh well, this was still a treat to read and I recommend it to everyone (just take a break from the movie beforehand)!