The Aspirant, a novella by Dave Wilkinson, unravels the mystery of Manna Ships and the dangerous treasure they bring. The Emmy-nominated Director of the popular TV show incredibleMAINE has published his first book. The Aspirant is a touching tale of exile, paradox and renewal - from a lobster's point of view. It's a story for humans of all ages. Lobsters believe that Manna Ships full of food are sent from heavenly benefactors. Shortly after shedding his old shell, young Simon leaves the tribe to seek his own truth. Danger and desperation lead him to places he's never seen. With unexpected help Simon finds the knowledge he desires and finds a new life.
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About the Author
Author Dave Wilkinson has been a fantasy fan since reading The Wind in the Willows as a child, later looking into the darker dreams of Lovecraft, M.R. James and Algernon Blackwood. He wrote his high school senior thesis on George Orwell. Since 1965 he has read Lord of the Rings dozens of times. His own attempts at fiction happened as he approached fifty, when several novels and other books emerged. In 2007, with Producer Marilyn Taylor, Wilkinson created incredibleMAINE, a half-hour weekly TV show on the Maine Public Broadcasting Network. He has twice been Emmy nominated for Directing the award-winning show. The Aspirant, a novella, is his third book.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
The propagation of fiction for fact is not a worthwhile aspiration,
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This review is from: The Aspirant (Paperback)
A lobster isn't the most likely character for a children's book. Yet Dave Wilkinson creates a modern-day fable based on the life cycle of the crustacean in "The Aspirant." The tale centers around Simon and his quest to reach the surface via a lobster trap. It's not until he meets old-timer Harold that he begins to question his ultimate desire. The moral of the story is a lesson about the danger of blind faith. The importance of an individual searching for the truth is emphasized over passively accepting what is believed to be common knowledge. A mob mentality leads to a life centered around a single motivation. In the end, the idea of living a more simple, authentic life is abandoned.The main terms in the book are based on a vocabulary created by Wilkinson. A one-page glossary explains key words such as "unfoldment" (the time when a lobster sheds its shell), "manna" (lobster bait) and "gobbler" (human being). This may be confusing for a younger reader who is used to stories told in a literal rather than a figurative style. The lack of interior illustrations also makes "The Aspirant" a better choice for a tween reader with a more focused attention span. The book is best experienced in a group setting where the symbolism can be explained and expanded upon through interactive activities and discussion sessions. Experiencing marine life through the eyes of a lobster is a fascinating look at an underwater world. The creativity of Wilkinson's narrative is extraordinary with its fresh approach to a genre dating back to Aesop. He effectively overturns long-held assumptions. Shouldn't a lobster fear a trap? Wouldn't the surface be the last place a lobster would want to go? Why would a lobster aspire to be eaten? Their contradictory behavior revolves around a lack of credible information. The handing down of false presumptions puts the lobster on a crash course for extinction. Their saving grace comes in the form of human children who are not yet corrupted by the all-consuming drive for financial gain. Their hearts remain open to the forces of peace and love. As Harold recounts to Simon his rescue from the auction block, it becomes apparent that it wouldn't have happened without the heroic actions of a fourth-grade class. Their courage to stand up for their beliefs allow Harold to return to the deep with his new-found knowledge of the surface. Finally, the lobsters have access to the truth. Overall, the propagation of fiction for fact is not a worthwhile aspiration.
4.0 out of 5 stars
An original fable!,
By
This review is from: The Aspirant (Paperback)
This charming, original tale is a modern day fable told from an individual lobster's viewpoint-- witty and poignant, yet at the same time, offering many serious life-lessons. Wilkinson has written a story for adults and older children that deals with the built-in desire for hope and salvation, even in the face of fear and disillusionment. Well-written, evocative, and genuinely moving!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enyoyed The Aspirant,
By
This review is from: The Aspirant (Paperback)
The Aspirant is a unique look at life from a lobsters point of view. This is a great book for parents to share with their children. On one level, children will enjoy the adventure and mystery of the story, and delight in the revelations. There are lots of "Oh! I see what's happening!" moments. Adults on the other hand will enjoy the intelligence of the prose. The Aspirant presents lots of opportunity to discuss life lessons.
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