The Book of Three

by Lloyd Alexander

I wish to caution the reader of this review that any words that I could use to describe this book are not going to do it justice. This review is really meant as an introduction and not a critical analysis. Regardless of how my review will rest with you, please check out this book. You will not be disappointed!

"The Book of Three" is the first book in a series of five books (plus a collection of short stories) called 'The Prydain Chronicles'. (Technically, these are classified as "young adult" books, but if you aren't a "young adult" don't let that stop you from looking into these books. The stories in these books are timeless!)

"The Book of Three" is the primarily concerned with following a youth on the verge of manhood named Taran. He is an orphan who lives on a small farm with an elderly wiseman named Dallben and a farmhand named Coll. Oh, and I just about forgot the oracular pig, Hen Wen. This is the setting from which "The Book of Three" starts and the adventures of Taran begin.

I read this book when I was about 13 years old. I was going through some difficult times and needed some direction in my life. "The Book of Three" was used to show me a youth failing and learning and growing wiser a little at a time. It also illustrated perseverance and faithfulness, and instilled in me the need to have hope even in the face of tragedy. This is a gripping tale, indeed an epic tale. It is not lengthy and cumbersome like a Tolkien work, but it has in its surface simplicity, a deep underlying kingdom of wisdom.

I will not detail any of the main sections of the story, because to do that would be to ruin it for any potential first-time reader. But after you read it once, you will have no trouble reading it again and again in the future with no sign of ever tiring (I have been rereading the series for over 15 years). I have done my duty in making you aware of this book and this series, now you can go to your local library or bookstore and easily obtain it. Happy adventures!

In the future, I plan on reviewing the rest of the books in 'The Prydain Chronicles' one by one. I hope that you will read these books and email me when you do to let me know what you think of them. Thank you and God bless!

Review by David Staley