Customer Reviews

Swan Lake

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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Swan Lake is as rich and satisfying as hot apple cider or the scent of a single cherry blossom. While this book may not be well suited for very young children, it is still a small and perfect tale, the flavor of which will remain with the reader for years. This is one of the ten books that should be in everyone's library; inexplicably, it's a difficult book to find, but when you do come across it, buy it as a favor to yourself.

Swan Lake is a beautiful book. The story of the old man, the little girl, the true prince and the beautiful Odette is told with simple elegance through the eyes of the wise old grandfather. I read this book out loud with my friend, and we could have stayed up all night, caught up in the beautiful, heartbreaking tale of love and life and learning. We laughed and cried, and sat stiff with suspense. We were filled by turns with sorrow and joy, despair and hope and sometimes a mixture of them all. Everyone should read Swan Lake, for this book is truly a treasure, a gem that will shine brightly for years to come.

IF YOU READ THIS BOOK YOU WILL CRY AND LAUGH AND SIT IN SUSPENSE AND BE CAPTIVATED BY PAGES AND PAGES OF HEART-TEARING DESCRIPTION AND BREATHTAKING PICTURES. IF YOU THINK A MEDIEVAL FICTION IS ABOUT KNIGHTS KILLING DRAGONS, IT'S NOT. THIS IS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ, AND IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, THAT'S YOUR PROBLEM. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT ONE AUTHOR AND ONE ILLUSTRATOR COULD CREATE SUCH INCREDIBLY FANTASTIC MAGIC IN WORDS AND PICTURES. IT'S NOT A STUPID FANTASY, IT'S AN AMAZING ADVENTURE THAT YOU WILL THINK ABOUT FOR YEARS AND REMEMBER FOR YOUR WHOLE LIFE!!!!!!!!

This is one of the best books I have ever read! I have read it several times over and the story never grows old. It holds me captivated to the very last page through every reading. (I also cry every single time.) If you are the kind of person who loves the story of Romeo and Juliet I garentee that this book is for you.

This book is tremendous both aesthetically and from a literature standpoint. It is appropriate for all ages, but is probably best served as a gift to someone particularly close or special. If possible, make an effort to find the hardcover version - it's worth the effort!

Readers widely acknowledge Mark Helprin as one of the great 20th century masters of prose. True to form in this children's story, his lush descriptions would transport us easily to this fantasyland even without the delicate artistry of Chris Van Allsburg's Vermeer-like illustrations. Although the story's ending might disturb very young readers, this book is a must-read both for those who enjoy Helprin's adult fiction and for those who have yet to reach adulthood. In short, a rare gem of a children's book for its rich language, richer illustrations, and captivating storyline

I first read this book when it was newly acquired by our local public library. I was all of 11 then, and while I'd read a fair amount of books (I was a precocious child), this one stood out. I never forgot it. Ten years later, I wanted my own copy. I had to search high and low for it, finding it only through special order (and it took WEEKS to get).

At the age of 21, I was just as affected. This book transcends the original story of Swan Lake, grabs you by the throat and insinuates itself into your soul. I'm not kidding, either. Helprin tells the truth about humans and love in profoundly simple, poetic language. I'm not even sure it should be called a child's book.

I don't know what else to say. Read it. Make them publish more of these books.

These were the images. The ability to heighten your senses. To smell the sunshine on the grass. To be alive in the breezes. Awaken to love and loyalty. Heart stopping and heart wrenching. A tale for all ages.

This version of Swan Lake (1989) is written by Mark Helprin with fabulous color illustrations by Chris Van Allsburg. The story, of course, is very similar to the famous ballet.

An old man lives on a mountain with a young girl who, as children of her type often do, wants to venture down from the safe seclusion of their mountain to find her parents. Seeing this, the old man tells the girl a story to show her what she will encounter below: A story about a prince and a princess named Odette. As the old man relates the story of these star-crossed lovers, it becomes apparent that their fate is intimately linked with the young girl.

While parts of the story are excellent and the illustrations are truly stunning, the book on a whole left me cold. Helprin's writing is odd. I have written at length in other areas about my strong dislike of modernizing fairy tale stories with references to things like newspapers in a story clearly meant to be set in an earlier time. It might have been funny in Shrek but in any attempt to relate a story as a true fairy tale it just fails miserably, creating a disconnect between the reader and the story.