The Stolen Child
By Keith Donohue
My father picked up this used CD for me after reading the back cover. It said that it would appeal to readers of J.R.R. Tolkien. He knew I was a fan so he figured he’d take a chance. All I know is after two complete listens, I can honestly say that this is one of the most enjoyable books on CD I’ve ever listened to.
The story centers around changelings or fairies or hobgoblins. Seven year old Henry Day is kidnapped by a group of forest nymphs and in his place they leave behind one of their own to live the life that should have belonged to Henry Day. Duel narrators take over and explain their own perspective. Hints of certain events are spelled out by one narrator and then in the next chapter the other narrator offers their perspective. It really is a wonderful way to tell a story. And considering you have one character trying to impersonate the other character and the real Henry Day settling in to a life that had been lived by his imposter, this method really enables the listener to get inside of both characters. As the imposter develops into the Henry Day who everyone knows, the real Henry Day forgets his life with the humans. The torment is real. The sadness is real.
There is a musical element to the story as well. This extra layer only ads to the richness of the tale. It turns out that the imposter who took the place of the real Henry Day had been a child prodigy musician in his previous life. Over night, Henry Day suddenly finds he can sing and play like a world class pianist.
I’m sure any good local library would be able to get you a copy if you asked. I have a hard time justifying a book on CD but then again I did listen to this one twice. Its not like a book where you can periodically pick it up and glance at a few passages. I like to buy my books, but rent or borrow the ones I listen to.
I haven’t read this book, but instead I listened to it. The sparring narrators really make this one pop. These readers did a fantastic job IMHO.
For those long commutes or for those of us who aren’t able to do them on a bicycle, this is worth your time. Check it out.