review of “North! or Be Eaten”
Sep 17th, 2009 by Nathanael
Back when we were dating, my wife introduced me to a singer-songwriter by the name of Andrew Peterson. I was instantly a fan of this gifted musician who was able to tell a story in song with melody and lyrics that actually made the story line better than if it were just told by a talented storyteller. Last year, we saw Andrew (and Captains Courageous) in concert. One of my favorite parts of the show was when Andrew would give some background to the history behind the writing of a song. Some musicians try this and end up boring you. You want to stand up and holler, “We came to hear you sing, not talk!” But not Andrew. The stories behind the songs were entertaining and witty and emotional, and they gave a new depth to the song that you’ve heard a bunch of times. I went away from that concert realizing that Andrew Peterson is a great storyteller.
His latest book, “North! Or Be Eaten,” proves this point perfectly.
This book is part two of “The Wingfeather Saga.” So I would highly recommend reading “On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness” before you read this volume in order to get some background on the characters and on the setting.
In “North or Be Eaten,” the Igiby family flees for their lives from the fierce Fangs of Dang. And we follow them on their harrowing journey. They face danger, torture, death, jealously, anger and forgiveness as they travel toward the Ice Prairies.
One of the things that I like about this book is that Andrew makes his characters very human, very relatable. Each character has gifts that they bring as well as flaws that affect the whole family.
One of my favorite lines comes from the last chapter of the book. I will not say which character this sentence is referring to so I don’t spoil the ending. But this character had kept his sordid past a secret. And after facing sure death for his crimes, he is unjustly pardoned. After this, we are told “He moved through the days in peace and wonder, for his whole story had been told for the first time, and he found that he was still loved” (page 321).
I highly recommend this book. But if you want to get a full night’s sleep, don’t read this in bed before you go to sleep. Your spouse will awake hours after your light should have been extinguished to find you intently reading “just one more chapter,” worrying about the Igiby children and their latest brush with danger and mortality.
You have caught my interest – are these overtly Christian books or are they symbolic like Narnia and LOTR?
They fall under the catagory of fantasy.
Although the author is a Christian, these are not “Christian” books.
There is some symbolism.
But in my opinion, it is storytelling for the sheer joy of storytelling.
I can’t agree more about Andrew. I saw him in Portland, OR after listening to his latest CD and it was a joy both to see him perform in person and to hear the story behind the song. He made the songs that much more edifying with his history. I just read “On the Edge” and am looking forward to the next saga.
God Bless
Lodebar,
Mr. Peterson is one of the more refreshing artists out there.
“North…” is a better book, in my opinion, then “On the Edge…”
Shalom
Echo what Nathanel said. Edge was an enjoyable read, but it was obviously a “first” novel. North really takes it to the next several levels.
I agree with Nathanael and Peter B, there is a lot of great adventure in On the Edge, but North adds deep emotional topics to the adventure and suspense.
I agree with Bryan who agrees with me and Peter B who agrees with me.
Three of us cannot be wrong!
It’s official.