Customer Reviews

Satyrday

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Bauer's literary reputation derives from his well-regarded poetry. In this, his only (I believe) prose work, we see why: the language use sheerly is poetry. The text begs to be read aloud, even if only inside our own heads.

The prose is not only beautiful, it is clever. The characters are often wry and witty, even the evil ones.

This book is a minor classic, and why it ever goes out of print is one of those mysteries to which only pointed-headed, soulless bean counters can give an answer.

This is a wonderfully written fable, perfect for teens and adults alike. Bauer has a lyric style that makes the book a joy to read. Satyrday has a very interesting premise starting with the evil owl having his minions, the ravens, capture the moon. Much of the story revolves about the satyr and a boy he has raised from infanthood journeying to save the moon, with the assistance of one raven and a magical white fox. There are numerous other well-developed characters in this fable, and the story moves at a very good pace. Good and evil, although well delineated, are not always obvious, a nice change from many fantasy stories. Satyrday would make for great reading to younger children (there are some scary and sad parts, so read it 1st yourself), but expect to translate some of the beautiful language (e.g., the lugubrious raven); not so much, however, to be distracting to young teens that might read this on their own. As an adult, I wished not for a longer book, but for continuing stories from Bauer. It is very surprising, and sad, that this book is out of print, being so well written and entertaining, and having gained broadbased, and well-deserved praise in reviews (reprinted in the front of the edition I have). Hopefully Satyrday will be reissued soon.

Evil owl overlord.

Your average kid probably doesn't get raised by a Satyr, but that is what happens to the boy in this book.

As well, the bad guy is out to get him, and it is a hoot. Not fun, but because he is an owl. Complete with minions. What minions does a master villain avian employ? Crows, of course. Avians in black. The black hats. Ok, well black feathers in this case, but anyway.

Lots of running around to other supernatural creatures and running away to be done here.

2.5 out of 5