The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio

Starred review from July 23, 2007
This posthumously published novel from Alexander, who died this spring, is an exuberant and compassionate tale of adventure. Kicked out of his merchant uncle’s house, inveterate daydreamer Carlo leaves the island of Magenta (not far from Campania, the mythical setting of The Rope Trick
) to head east on the Road of Golden Dreams. He travels through Sidya, Marakand and Keshavar (the evocative names are vintage Alexander, subtly blending cartography and legend), all the way to Cathai, where he expects to make his fortune, thanks to the treasure map he found tucked into a book of fantastic tales given him by a mysterious bookseller. Themes that call to mind Alexander’s landmark Prydain Chronicles reappear here, telescoped into a single potent volume: Starting as a callow youth, Carlo gains wisdom and the capacity to love deeply, thanks to his adventures on the road and what he learns from his fellow travelers. The buoyant fantasy is counterpointed by the war and destruction that lurk beyond nearly every bend in the road; the interplay between these elements will keep readers enthralled every step of Alexander’s final literary journey. Ages 10-up.

August 1, 2007
Gr 5-9-After Carlo Chuchio gets a book of fantastic tales from a mysterious bookseller, he discovers a treasure map hidden in its binding that seems to lead to "the fabled realm of Cathai," and he decides to set out to find the treasure. Alexander's fans will find much that is familiar in Carlo's travels to pseudo-Middle Eastern lands, including a helpful fool who joins his quest, a romantic interest with a troubled background, and the array of enemies and friends whom Carlo meets along the way. The author's flair for characterization brings even the stock villain to life, and his descriptions of the exotic places the protagonist visits are detailed and easily visualized. Carlo's narrative gives humor to his journeys, and the conclusion brings his adventures to a close with a flourish. Fans of "The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen" (Dell, 1993) and Alexander's many other fantasies based on the world's cultures and myths will appreciate this tale from a master storyteller."Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2007
Since his parents death, Carlo has worked for his uncle, a merchant, but Uncles patience with Carlos daydreaming wears so thin that hefinally givesthe young man a purse of coins and ships him off to nearby Campania. Carlo, who has just discovered a treasure map in an old book, travels across the sea to the Middle Eastern port that marks the beginning of the Road of Golden Dreams. Planning to follow that perilous route to the treasure, Carlo hires two traveling companions: Baksheesh, a lazy, loquacious camel puller, and Shira, a young woman bent on revenge. Against all advice, Carlo follows his dream, only to find it changing as he comes to know himself through the crucible of the journey. A consummate storyteller, Alexander, who died in May, takes readers on a memorable journey as well. On one level, he offers them the vicarious experience of Carlos adventures and the shame, relief, fear, anguish, hope, and joy he feels along the way. On another, he shares his fascination with human folly and courage and his appreciation for the mysterious powers of story and of art. One of Alexanders most appealing characters, Salamon, the humble, cheerful wise man, surely speaks for the author when he learns what Carlo is seeking and tells him, What a shame if you should find it. Your quest would be over. And then what? As if a fortune could make up for the bother of gaining it. No, no, my lad: The journey is the treasure.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)