Redwall
Author: Brian Jacques
Since I’m now at the end of five more movie reviews, it’s time for a review of a book that’s very special to me. The book I’ve chosen is Redwall, which was published in the 1980’s and was a great success; and 21 more books were later published (I only have the first 2 books at this point). These books were adapted into a TV show for PBS Kids that aired in the late 1990’s/early 2000’s; and it was just announced today that Netflix has plans to turn Redwall into a movie/TV show for its streaming service. While I look forward to watching both of these adaptions, I doubt that they’ll be better than the book. For many reasons, it seems perfect that this is the book I chose to review right now, most especially since the anniversary of the author’s passing on from this realm was 10 years ago this month. I hope everyone loves this book as much as I do! Whatever your thoughts I’d love to hear from you!
Redwall is about a young mouse named Matthias who was orphaned as a baby and lives with the monks in Redwall Abbey. One day, an evil rat named Cluny the Scourge comes to the outskirts of Redwall and has plans to invade it with his rat soldiers. It’s up to Matthias to find the sword of Martin the Warrior so that he can defeat Cluny and save Redwall once and for all. This book has some good messages (like how you should always try to do the right thing), and it was quite the book of its time (it was first published in 1986) as the female characters in it are quite strong; Constance the badger is one of the strongest fighters and, while Cornflower the fieldmouse only takes food to the mice soldiers, she ends up doing a heroic act. The characters are also quite likable, and my personal faves, besides Matthias, are Constance, Cornflower and Warbeak. However, despite being a great book, Redwall does have some scenes that could startle younger kids, as several beloved characters die (there’s also a little bit of mild language). Thus, I would recommend it for older kids only due to the upsetting scenes and mild language. One of the most powerful scenes in the book is where Matthias is crying about whether he can win the battle and Cornflower comes over to comfort him; while Matthias is embarrassed, Cornflower tells him that even the strongest and bravest warriors weep and that he shouldn’t take tears as a sign of weakness. Overall, I really love how females are portrayed in Redwall and I believe that this book probably inspired some of today’s modern fantasy writing and will be remembered in the years to come.
“Matthias, don’t be ashamed, I know why you cry and grieve. It is because you are kind and good, not a hard-hearted pitiless rat like Cluny. Please listen to me. Even the strongest and bravest must sometimes weep.”
Cornflower, who is one of my favorite characters (FYI: This is one of my very favorite book quotes of all time.)
8 Comments
Tiger
This really does sound like a special book, though I’ve yet to read it (but now I want to!). Thank you for educating me about it! I especially appreciate how carefully you notice the portrayal of the book’s female characters. It sounds like the three you love most, other than Matthias, are all females-is that correct? Also, the quote you picked is amazing, and I could not agree with it more! Tears are important I believe, very important. And you’re making me consider signing back up for Netflix so that I can see the TV series of this book, as I never saw the PBS one. Thank you again for a really insightful and informative review of something that I can enjoy while cooped up!
EvangelineFiles
Thank you for reading and commenting! I would love to hear your thoughts after you’ve read it! And yes, the three characters I mentioned above with the exception of Matthias were all females. Glad that you liked the quote! It’s one of my very favorite book quotes. I actually currently do not have Netflix as well. I used to have a subscription as well but I deactivated it when I got Disney+. I think it’s time for me to sign back up as well! By the way, the PBS show is actually available on a service called Tubi TV. And, it looks like you can watch it for free but I’m not 100% sure. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Tiger
Forgot to say how very sorry I was to hear of the author’s passing-I feel sure he would have greatly appreciated your thoughts about his work and I feel like your reivew of it at the 10-year mark is an awesome tribute to him…..
EvangelineFiles
I was sorry to hear of his passing as well. He was such a great writer (and one of my favorites for sure) and I’m glad that you think it was a good tribute to him. it made writing this review a little bittersweet writing actually.
Loyal Fan
Another great review.
You are an avid reader and a talented writer. I have not read the book but it sounds interesting. The quote was good and so true.
EvangelineFiles
Thank you for reading and commenting! I would love to hear your opinion on the book if you decide to read it! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Walinda
I love that quote!
Movies and tv shows don’t typically do books justice but I do look forward to seeing it.
Love your review, as usual, and the things you bring to light!
EvangelineFiles
I’m so glad that we both love that quote! and yes, sadly most movies/shows don’t do books justice. I did start watching the original Redwall TV show on the Tubi streaming service last week (it’s a completely free service you just have to sit through some ads) and it has stayed mostly true to the book though I’ve only watched 2 episodes so far. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!