Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
4 1/2 Shouldn't Have Took More Than You Gave", January 29, 2007
"The Secret-Keeper" is a sort of child's version of Nathaniel West's masterpiece, "Miss Lonely Hearts," in which a "helper" is similarly overcome by the demands of those needing help. Of course, as a kids' book, the tone is far lighter and the outcome happier, but they share a theme about the burden of receiving confession.
In a beautifully designed and illustrated medieval/hobbit-like setting, long-haired, quiet "Kalli" welcomes men and women of all ages to tell her their secrets. Some secrets seem relatively innocent ("A plain girl loved a handsome boy and dared not tell him"), some, not so (A bribe induces a matchmaker to makes a bad match), but all of them feel heavy to those who hide them. The magical proceedings, the slightly moralistic tone, and the appearance of hero and heroine give this a classic fairy tale aura, and the arched and rectangular framed pictures (done in lush, ornate design with watercolor, oil, and collage) recall the prototypical illustrations of N.C. Wyeth and other early masters. It's truly a gorgeous book.
The plot revolves around Kalli's unselfish generosity, and how it almost overwhelms her. However, the author doesn't clearly establish Kalli's secret-collecting method, causing some initial unnecessary confusion. "Shed," the baker, admits that he cheats when he weighs his customers' bread. In exchange for her confession taking..."He gave Kalli a basket of fresh rolls and a copper coin." When Kalli hears his secret, she "nodded and caught his words in his hand." Now comes the confusing part: "After Shed trudged away with a sigh, Kalli opened her hand again. Shed's secret was a small grey rock, like a stale breadcrumb. Kalli went inside and tucked the secret into one of the tiny drawers that lines the walls of her cottage.
After a few of these exchanges, it's clear that Kalli has the ability to transform the secret into a concrete object, something that can be stored away. However, author Coombs uses a metaphor, "Shed's secret was a small grey rock," something too abstract for concrete-thinking kids. It's also unfortunate that Ms. Coombs compares the rock to a "stale bread crumb" --did Shed cheat by somehow inserting the small rock into his loaves? A simple and clearer presentation might have been something like, "Kalli took his secret and turned it into a small grey rock." All this becomes clearer after a few more examples, but adult readers might want to supplement the text with gestures or some ready explanations if questioned.
Kalli's transformative powers, while itself a metaphor, also drives the plot. As she collects more and more secrets, changing them into small drab objects, she becomes sick. Slowly the villagers realize that they take much more from the secluded woman than any gold piece cold buy. When they discover her sick in bed, they realize that one can also tell Good Secrets, not just bad ones. As they tell her (it's all very rapid, like townspeople in a Jimmy Stewart movie: "...my husband helps folks." "I married my own true love." "I made up a song," "My mama and I dance in the meadow"), Kalli's strength and spirit begins to return. She takes each of these good secrets and changes them into objects--but beautiful, magical objects: A dragonfly, a rainbow, a meadowlark, and more all emanate from Kalli's hand, all revealed in a series of pictures that resemble tapestries. And, speaking of her hand, the quiet potter's son tells the last secret to the now healthy Kalli: "I love the secret keeper." Some toddlers and early elementary schoolers will love this touching, sentimental romance, others may not be ready for it--know your audience. I enjoyed it, and it's followed by a blissful celebration in the meadow, so idyllic and light that you half expect the love to lift the villagers into the air.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Power of Happy Secrets, June 6, 2006
This is a refreshing tale, perfectly illustrated. My copy of The Secret Keeper has already been loaned and read aloud to intrigued school children. The story produced plenty of curiosity, compassion for Kalli the Secret Keeper, and good discussion.
Kate Coombs has a talent for delightful invention. It's not surprising that a dishonest baker, an irresponsible match maker, or many another burdened villager would feel some relief after Kalli has heard one of their guilty secrets. But readers may be surprised to learn what fittingly symbolic objects the secrets turn into in Kalli's magical hands.
This delightful tale is not just about the burdens of the confidante or counselor; it's about how a community comes to broaden its understanding of secret-sharing. In a crisis, the villagers' decency and love emerge. What about telling their very ill Kalli "bright and fair secrets, like a spring morning"? The secrets told in this part of the story (and the butterflies and other beauteous things they turn into) are wonderfully simple and touching. This is where The Secret Keeper becomes a story of honesty and love, and really gains its gentle power.
The dust jacket says Kate Coombs' first book is for readers "4 to 8", but this is a fine book for older children, too, and parents and other adults--perhaps, especially, those in the helping professions.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Refreshingly fabulous, May 26, 2006
I had the honor to read a review copy of The Secret Keeper and it is one of my all-time favorite books. I predict that you will be hearing a lot more about Kate Coombs and her books.
The Secret Keeper reads like a fast-paced traditional folk tale. I loved the wry humor and the subtle lessons.
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