Keeper of the Isis Light (Cascades) [Hardcover]

Monica Hughes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 28, 1985 | Series: Cascades

For 16 years Olwen has lived on Isis with only his guardian for company. Then comes the news that a spaceship with 80 settlers on board is about to land. Its arrival disrupts Olwen's existence.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Winner of the Pheonix Award, Children's Literature Association Recipient of a Certificate of Honour from the International Board of Books for Young People 'It has been a delight to rediscover this science fiction fantasy love story. Monica Hughes skilfully tackles issues of environment, human perception and failings and prejudice entwined in a captivating and heartwarming story.' -- Mary Hoffman, Armadillo, Autumn 2003. 'Skillfully crafted science fiction stands the test of time and Hughes' The Keeper of the Isis Light features universal, enduring themes and memorable characters. Highly Recommended.' -- CM: Canadian Review of Teacher's Materials Magazine 'The Keeper of the Isis Light is a moving and humane study of young love and prejudice. Hughes is not afraid to tackle tough moral and emotional subjects, yet she never forgets to tell an entertaining and well extrapolated science fictional story that can appeal to all readers. She recognizes the universality of human emotions and deals with them in a clear-hearted as well as clear-headed fashion. She deserves the accolades she has won elsewhere and should finally receive them in her home country.' -- Doug Barbour, Toronto Star 'It is worth reading this book even if just for the twist in the middle. I rate this book 9/10.' -- Matt Longmuir, age 13, Education Otherwise --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Inside Flap

Olwen Pendennis is the Keeper of the Isis Light. She and her companion, Guardian, have lived alone on the planet Isis since the death of her parents. But then a group of colonists arrives on Isis from Earth, settling in the valleys ? the only places where they can breathe and not be harmed by the planet?s harsh sun. Olwen fears these new inhabitants may ruin her world forever, and at first, it appears she is right. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 136 pages
• Publisher: Collins Educational; New edition edition (March 28, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0003300226
• ISBN-13: 978-0003300222
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,268,183 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's not that easy bein' green, June 28, 2004

By 

E. R. Bird "Ramseelbird" (Manhattan, NY) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Keeper of the Isis Light (Library Binding)

There are plenty of books out there about powerful young women. In these stories the female protagonists usually either have super powers or were born as magical semi-human beings. "The Keeper of the Isis Light" is a little different than partly because the main character spends much of the book in a complete fog about her life, her capabilities, and who she truly is. The book is as much about overcoming the prejudices of others as it is about the meaning of happiness and its importance. If you're looking for a book that explores deep emotional and spiritual issues in a sci-fi context, I think you've found your match.

Olwen Pendennis was born on the planet Isis ten years ago (sixteen by Earth's sun). Living alone with only her faithful companion Guardian to keep her company, Olwen leads a rich and exciting life on her planet's surface. As the official Keeper of the Isis Light, Olwen's job is to maintain the signal that radios information about Isis's surface to Earth for future colonists. When these settlers appear one day, Olwen finds her world strangely shaken. Guardian has done his best to keep Olwen safe and happy while living on Isis, but now she must deal with other people and all the good and bad things humans can do. Through it all, Olwen discovers truths about herself and her own inner strength and abilities that she might never have found while living contentedly on her own. In the end, the reader is left wondering whether or not it's a good thing Olwen met with these colonists and, if good, how.

I was incredibly disappointed that the book flap accompanying this little novella gave away too many of the book's delightful secrets. My advice to you if you want to read this story is to go into it blind. Don't read any more of the synopsis than the one I've given you above. It'll only ruin the surprises that dot this intricate book. There are many things to love here as well. The plot is tight and well formed. Olwen never questions her happy existence until the moment that things begin to change. In many ways she's like Miranda in "The Tempest". In others, she's Caliban. Author Monica Hughes is particularly good as conjuring up a visual sense of the Isis landscape. In this story you see the planet as the heroine does and you regret (as she does) that settlers have arrived to muck it up. I also loved the Guardian in this tale. A character that professes to not feel emotions, he often belies this idea by growing agitated, touched, or worried at key moments.

Now for my favorite part of any review. The flaws! Actually, there aren't many to complain about in this book. Originally published in 1980, "The Keeper of the Isis Light" suffers from a few pre-P.C. terms. A black child, for example, is referred to as "negroid" at one point. Later, that same child (though supposedly nine years of age) acts far more like a six year old. Thus ends my summary of all flaws this book contains. As you can see, they're few in number.

Great science fiction books use metaphors and grandiose plots to discuss universal ideas. In many ways, "The Keeper of the Isis Light" is very similar to the great Sylvia Engdahl book, "Enchantress From the Stars". Both books talk about prejudice and feature incredibly strong female characters. In this book, however, there are some uniquely emotional moments. The story is written in a crisp approachable style that will never go out of date. If you've a kid interested in sci-fi or just wants a low key introduction to it, this book is the perfect offering. A book that will be well remembered for years to come (I hope).

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, March 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Keeper of the Isis Light (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book. Beautifully written with exquisite description and characters who become so real that you remember them 6 or 7 years after you read it (I know I do). Anyone who hasn't read The Guardian of Isis and The Isis Pedlar I urge you to do so at the earliest opportunity.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Please remove that card catalog description!, October 16, 2005

By 

F Gregory (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Keeper Of The Isis Light (Paperback)

Of the many books I have read in my life, a few made a truly unforgettable impression on the way I see the world.

This short novel is a true gem - a simple, entertaining, economically written story that delivers an emotional punch that leaves the sensitive reader reeling.

Unfortunately, if you have read the "card catalog description" above, I'm not sure if I can recommend the book as you will have been robbed of much of the dramatic impact. That awful "description" is more spoiler dense than any almost any other sentence I can imagine.

Ms. Hughes, where are you? Please get them to at least hide that "card catalog description" from this site.

I'm so happy that I read this book years ago in another edition.