The Farthest-Away Mountain [Paperback]

Lynne Reid Banks (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Once upon a time, in a village nestled in a mountain valley, lived a girl named Darkin. Darkin wants three things more than anything else: to visit the farthest-away mountain, to meet a gargoyle, and to marry a prince. Everyone
in her village thinks she’s crazy, especially since no one has ever been to the farthest-away mountain. But one day, when she is nearly 15, she hears the mountain calling her. Darkin sets off on a tantalizing journey that will change her life, and the lives of others, forever.


From the Hardcover Library Binding edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-7. Lynne Reid Banks' lively, imaginative adventure (Doubleday, 1991) comes alive thanks to her splendid narration. Daikon, the main character, is a heroine of the '90s, even though she lives in a faraway time. At 14 she is independent, compassionate and courageous, and will not be deterred. She has three goals in life?to visit the faraway mountain, to meet a gargoyle, and to marry a prince. She accomplishes the first two and, through the process, matures enough to realize that there are princes in all walks of life, not just in castles. Banks has created a lively cast of :characters, including trolls imprisoned as gargoyles, and an imaginative setting. The twists and turns of the plot keep listeners engaged throughout the story. Banks makes every character come alive, capturing the nuances of their natures, their pettiness, jealousy and fears through the voices she creates as well as the actions she relates. Her narration is fast-paced and convincing. This is a story that the entire family will enjoy.
Edith Ching, St. Albans School, Washington, DC
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“This is an enjoyable fairy tale that will appeal to younger teens. The plot is fast moving and adds a few twists.”—VOYA


“The strength of Banks’ fantasy-writing abilities really comes through. . . . Dakin’s courage and determination strengthen a good fantasy probing the nature of good and evil.”—The Midwest Book Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (January 13, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440419263
• ISBN-13: 978-0440419266
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,204,570 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Lynne Reid Banks is a best-selling author for children and adults. Her classic children's novel 'The Indian in the Cupboard' has sold nearly six million copies worldwide. She was born in London in 1929 and worked as an actress, writer and TV news reporter. Lynne has written thirty books: her first, 'The L-Shaped Room', was published in 1960. She now lives in Dorset, where she continues to write. Lynne says that writing for children comes much more easily than writing for adults. Tony Ross was born in London in 1938. He has worked as an art director at an advertising agency, a graphic designer, a cartoonist, a teacher, a film maker and as a Senior Lecturer in Art at Manchester Polytechnic.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magic..., July 18, 2002

By 

A college student who fell in love with this ... (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The farthest-away mountain (Hardcover)

I picked this book up at our elementary school book fair, at random ... I'm so glad I did! I had to write this review because of the Horn Book review, which is right up at the top of the page, and so out of touch with what works for kids. "Slight?" The illustrations "contrived?" Couldn't be more wrong. I was in the fourth or fifth grade, maybe, when I read this book, and I'm twenty now, and looking back, this book just utterly captured me. Completely consumed me, in that amazing way that books can when you're that age. I was in the story, and magic was real, and I hurt for the gargoyles, and I cheered for Dakin ... I don't know, I think you have to be a childhood book-devourer to understand what that perfect book can be to a kid. Books like that are why I want to be a writer, so that people can get lost in my worlds like I got lost in that one. And the illustrations were part of the magic. In this case, "melodramatic" worked. Kids (well, kids like me, at least) like fantasy. Honestly, I suppose if I'd read this book for the first time as a twenty year old, I might have been passive about it ... but I remember what it was to be a kid, and so open to magic and wonder and so able to lose myself in other worlds and other circumstances. I'm so glad to have picked it up and experienced it ... give yourself the opportunity, whether you're a kid or an adult (in which case, maybe you'll get to feel like a kid for a little while).

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!! What a treasure!!, December 21, 2004

By 

S. Bisol (casco, maine) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Farthest-Away Mountain (Paperback)

I discovered this book when I was in the Fourth grade and have read it about 5-6 times a year since then! Now that I am in my early 20's Dakin and her hopeful attitude and her high spirits always bring me comfort and courage through tough times in my life. I have shared this book with children I have met and every one of them discovered the same magic and mystery I did when I was a little girl! Lynne Reid Banks is an amazing author who puts all the hopes and fears any 15 year old girl experiences into the heart and mind of Dakin, a heroine we all truly fall in love with! This is my favorite book of all time and I will cherish it always!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my most memorable and happy part of my childhood, July 20, 2005

By 

J A "Orbrium" (Centerville, UT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Farthest-Away Mountain (Hardcover)

I remember my mother reading this book to my twin sister and me. It was a hard back copy that she had gotten from the Library. My sister and I would come down out of our bunk beds and sit on the floor with my mother as we were enthralled to listen to her read this story. I loved the colored snow and the gargoyals. When I was married and had my first child I desired to read this book to my son and I did but it was mostly for me since he was only a few months old at the time. I will read it to him again. But I love this book. This story is a great treasure to me that I will always remember.