So I'm not sure what got me interested in reading this book. To be honest, for the longest time, I didn't even know that this was a book. I thought it was just an animated movie that weird '80s and '90s kids watched over and over again (like me).
It turns out that it is a book and a well loved on at that.
Tangent: What is up with the kids movies in the '80s? I think I've talked about his pretty often with my close friends, but I can't help but wonder how I was allowed to watch movies such as The Dark Crystal, The Hobbit, The Secret of Nimh. I mean, just look at this clip!
Anyway, on to the review!
Type of Read:
Fantasy
Plot Summary:
A lone unicorn, after discovering that she may be the last of her kind, sets out on an adventure to find what became of her species. She meets friends, foes, and gets a taste of what the world has become without unicorns as she goes on her quest to free all the unicorns of the world.
Strengths:
This is such a classic book. It is magical and funny and full of wonder. It's one of those books (at least for me) that you find yourself thinking about long after you've finished. I especially liked how the story is told mostly from the unicorn's point of view, but she still remains mysterious. The narrator does drop hints about unicorns every once in a while, but it always feels like this should have been common knowledge to the reader. For an exaggerated example: Unicorns are the most majestic immortal creatures to have ever existed...but you knew that already, right reader?
I also liked how the there were little breaks of humor sprinkled throughout the story. The plot can get a little bleak around the second half of the book, but Beagle does a great job of still making the story light and fantastical. I found myself chuckling at the little jokes and smiling at the modern references that are scattered in the book from beginning to end.
Weaknesses:
My only complaint was there are parts in the book that seem to drag a little bit. The characters spend a good fourth of the book trapped in a castle where not really anything happens. Granted there are some subtle plot points that are made during that sequestered time and they are important, but it does kind of slow down the book a tad.
Okay, one last weakness. This book doesn't have a distinct happy ending. Sure everything turns out alright, but there isn't really a "Happily Ever After." Apparently unicorns mess with people who meet them. After loving a unicorn and spending time with one, all you want to do for the rest of your life if chase after them. This isn't a good idea because unicorns are immortal and they don't care. They will just hide from you or run just out of your reach...forever! But at the same time they can't help it. It's just a part of their nature. Even the main unicorn doesn't really have a happy ending either because she is changed and "not like the other" unicorns. It's a little bitter sweet...
Opinion and Recommendation:
I really love this book. It is one of those books that I want my children to grow up reading. What little girl wouldn't want to grow up with the knowledge that unicorns are out there caring for the animals and plants in an obscure forest somewhere? And what little boy wouldn't want to hear about the heroics of wizards and knights? After reading this book, I can see why I was so enthralled with the movie as a child (the scary harpy and all). I plan on buying this book in hardback if I can ever find it for a reasonable price. I think because it is considered such a classic, booksellers can put outrageous prices on it...but one day it will be mine! So find a copy and read it. Five million people can't be wrong.
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