By Jason Koop
Published in 2001 and written by Brian Jacques, this fantasy novel (which is in fact, the first book of a trilogy) sees its author writing at peak levels. Jacques packs all the charm, lavish descriptions, puzzles and riddles that are hallmarks of his Redwall series to elevate this tale into one of my all-time favourites.
Without going into too much spoilers, a boy and his dog, Neb and Den, take part on an ill-fated voyage upon the ship the Flying Dutchman, which results with the ship, its captain and crew cursed to sail the waters of the earth for all eternity. Neb and Den are spared this fate by an angel, whom gifts them with eternal youth, among other mercies.
The second part of the story establishes how the two protagonists interact with the world around them, which leads to the third part – which is the bulk of the story. Our protagonists, now going by Ben and Ned, must help a quiet English village fight back against industrialists which threaten to destroy it in the name of progress.
I know, sounds like something that’s been used to death in fiction, but what makes this one worth experiencing? Oh… now you’re getting me started.
First of all, I absolutely love how Ben and Ned communicate. They have a mental connection, and their banter very much befits two friends who have experienced so much together. They work well together as a team, while remaining two distinct entities.
Second, the protagonists aren’t there to solve the village’s problems single-handed. Rather, they tend to act as galvanizing forces, encouraging those they interact with to grapple with their problems and solve things by themselves. I guess another way to describe it would be that Ben and Ned are active participants in helping the villagers, but they aren’t cheat codes that immediately solve everything themselves.
Third, and this one could apply to any of Jacques’ fantasy novels, I absolutely adore the descriptive way Jacques weaves the tale. Whether it’s on a ship at sea, or at a quiet English village, Jacques weaves such colourful descriptions that it makes it easy for the audience to lose themselves in the locales and action.
Finally, it’s the story’s smallness. Fantasy has long been marked by its proclivity for the fantastical – hence its name, most likely – and that fantastical-ness knows no bounds. Fantastical journeys, feats, wars, events, settings, they seemingly know no bounds.
Castaway’s, despite its roaring start, reins things in as soon as the second part for a much slower, smaller tale. There are no world-ending stakes, no one’s life is in danger (at least as of the third part), and yet… it’s the relatively small scope that makes the story more intimate and cozy. Like a favourite hoodie, it will keep you hooked until the tale is done, and you will find yourself wanting to slip back into it in short order.
Those who listen to our podcast, or know me personally, should not find it surprising that I absolutely adore this story. While I’m admittedly a huge fan of Jacques’ Redwall series, this story’s small scope and fun characters makes this a cozy, intimate tale that stands out even when compared to its author’s other works. It’s what I would call a comfort fantasy of the highest order.
Rating: 2 of 2 eternal best friends
