Kipling's Choice

April 18, 2005
In this fictionalized account of Lt. John Kipling's untimely death, Spillebeen portrays author Rudyard Kipling as a tragically flawed father, whose fiery patriotism costs him his son's life. The story, set during the Great War, begins when John, severely wounded while fighting on the front in France, lay dying. In his last hours, his mind turns backward, replaying scenes from his childhood and teen years, often centered around his famous father. The series of flashbacks characterize Rudyard as overindulgent and prideful—alternately spoiling and pushing his "undeveloped," son with his "extreme near-sightedness." It is Rudyard who encourages John to "do his part in the war" and who pulls strings to get his 17-year-old son appointed second lieutenant in an Irish regiment after John is found physically unfit by the British army. More reflective than suspenseful, the novel subtly conveys the complexities and ironies of the father/son relationship. Between the lines readers will detect that John desperately needs approval from his father and Rudyard just as desperately wants his son to become what he could never be: a war hero. (" has big plans for John. The navy, at the very least. His own childhood dream.") Structured as a series of brief memoirs juxtaposed against the harsh realities of war, this first book of Spillebeen's to be translated into English may appeal more to adult Kipling scholars than to middle-grade war-novel buffs. Ages 12-up.