Alek

May 1, 2012
The Children of Crow Cove quartet comes to a natural conclusion in this stately, careful finale. Tiny Crow Cove has grown strong since its founding so many years ago (Crow-Girl, 2004). Now Alek, formerly known as Doup, wishes to see how his beloved, jilted older brother Ravnar is faring in a place called Last Harbor. After traveling there, Alek stays on with Ravnar, finding work in the local inn. A chance sighting of a murder on the beach near his new home brings him into contact with a shipwrecked girl and a crew of murderous thieves. By helping to catch the villains and bring them to justice, Alek is able to find the means to persuade Ravnar to return to Crow Cove at long last. As with previous novels in the series, most recently Tink (2011), a knowledge of the full history of the cove is a must for readers to derive any pleasure from this conclusion. This Danish import is steeped in quiet dignity, never going any faster than the story demands. Some children will find this pace inexorably slow, but for those invested in the characters, Bredsdorff knows how to fulfill the previous novels' promise, turning her wayward individuals into a vigorous, vibrant community. A strong conclusion best suited for those willing to read it as part of a whole. (Fiction. 9-12)

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August 1, 2012

Gr 4-7-Doup has grown up enough to accept the death of his horse from old age and to want to use his real name: Alek. When he and his father go to visit Alek's brother, Ravnar, he gets caught up in Ravnar's life and the doings of his small village. Hired to work at an inn, he elects to stay with his brother even after his father leaves. He pays close attention to all that is happening and discovers an evil scheme to wreck passing ships on the rocks to gain the rights to the cargo. After one brutal wreck, he rescues a girl, Thala, who speaks a different language, and brings her back to Ravnar's cottage. The two brothers and Thala want to find the murderers and bring them to justice. As always in Bredsdorff's books, there is a clear understanding of human nature, ethical dilemmas are unraveled, and the language has a lyrical crispness that makes the reading rewarding. While youngsters would do well to have read the earlier titles, there is still enough adventure and courage in this one to satisfy newcomers. This novel emphasizes that humans' connections to one another make life rewarding by showing that Alek's efforts to do right pay off. An immensely satisfying ending to the series.-Carol A. Edwards, Denver Public Library, CO

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