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A review by mat_tobin
The Song of Seven by Tonke Dragt
4.0
The second of Dragt's books that I have read and one which, unusually, has an adult protagonist in the guide of Frans van der Steg, a storytelling teacher. Although I enjoyed [b:The Letter for the King|21028440|The Letter for the King|Tonke Dragt|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1498744578s/21028440.jpg|1329309] more with its easier-to-follow narrative, there was still so much here to celebrate. The characters are complex, the set elusive and wild (reminding me of Wynne Jones and Aiken in a way) and the plot itself - super-smart.
When Frans van der Steg arrives at his new school, he falls on telling the children stories as a reward for their hard work. One day though, he begins a story which starts to show elements of truth and become real. The teacher and his class find themselves involved in a deep conspiracy which involves saving a boy from a wicked uncle who wishes to find a long-hidden treasure destined for his nephew.
Again, I am floored by how accomplished Laura Watkinson is in her translation. Riddles and word-play about in this Dutch children's book yet none of the humour or play seems to have been lost at all. I would agree with reviews that says this book is not for all readers but then, which book is? I think what they mean is that it asks a lot of the reader to work and stay with it but if you do so, you open up a rare little treasure of a book.
When Frans van der Steg arrives at his new school, he falls on telling the children stories as a reward for their hard work. One day though, he begins a story which starts to show elements of truth and become real. The teacher and his class find themselves involved in a deep conspiracy which involves saving a boy from a wicked uncle who wishes to find a long-hidden treasure destined for his nephew.
Again, I am floored by how accomplished Laura Watkinson is in her translation. Riddles and word-play about in this Dutch children's book yet none of the humour or play seems to have been lost at all. I would agree with reviews that says this book is not for all readers but then, which book is? I think what they mean is that it asks a lot of the reader to work and stay with it but if you do so, you open up a rare little treasure of a book.