Shelly's Book Blog

Odo, the talking raven in Avi's The Book Without Words: a Fable of Medieval Magic, often preaches to the other characters in the book by quoting proverbs such as "Live long enough, and all become orphans." These pithy sayings give the characters in the book -- and Avi's readers -- something to think about which usually serves to expand their vision of their situation and see it from a new perspective. The main character is Sybil, whom the alchemist Thorston took in off the streets. Sybil is at first just grateful to have a roof over her head and something to eat, but when Thorston dies, she and Odo find that they must discover Thorston's secrets if they are to escape the ire of the town's reeve (or Sheriff), Bashcroft, who has his own favorite saying: "The law is hard, but it is the law."

The book's epigraph, "A life unlived is like a book without words," provides the principal theme, and Avi's gothic setting and fast-moving, fantastical plot develop this idea. Readers must ponder issues such as the value and even the definition of life, loyalty, and friendship. I think this would make a great read-aloud.