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.

Orphan Carlo is a foolish, inexperienced youth eager for wealth and adventure. When he discovers a tattered map hidden in an old book, he's more than ready to leave his boring life. Robert Ramirez skillfully guides the listener through the many surprises in Carlo's search for treasure in the dangerous deserts and cities of ancient Araby. As he acquires three companions for his quest, he discovers that one is not a boy, but a very capable girl. Ramirez uses a wide variety of voices for the many rogues and rascals Carlo encounters, but his best by far is the sarcastic, lazy camel puller, Baksheesh, whose protests and flattery are woven like a chorus throughout this fantasy. R.H.H. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine