Customer Reviews

Westmark

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The Westmark trilogy -- of which this is the first book -- is in many ways a successor to the Prydain novels. Each feature a young impressionable orphan (Theo/Taran) who falls in love with a strong, high-born woman (Mickle/Eilonwy) while learning more about the nature of manhood. While the Prydain novels are completely wonderful, the Westmark trilogy has it own power in its moral depth and complexity. In this sense, it is more challenging that the Prydain novels and perhaps suited to somewhat older readers. The trilogy specifically questions war and violence, their value, and their justification.

Westmark, as the first book of the trilogy, is occasionally light-hearted, featuring some of Alexander's trademark dry wit. Count Las Bombas is particularly hilarious. Theo is occasionally clueless, which makes him seem more human and thus more appealing (to this reader, at least). In the midst of an exciting plot with marvelous twists, however, Alexander raises moral questions without being pedantic. Is Florian's war against the monarchy just? When is violence justified? Is it ever justified? Alexander is not so presumptious that he offers a simple answer; rather, he acknowledges the absence of such easy solutions. There are no easy answers for Theo or the reader in this trilogy -- and that complexity is probably the series' greatest strength. The questions linger long after you finish the last lines of the novel.

This novel is highly recommended for a fairly mature middle reader -- it is both fun and meaningful. The remainder of the Westmark trilogy (The Kestrel, The Beggar Queen) is somewhat darker, but no less enjoyable. END

As with his wonderful "Prydain" books, in this trilogy (the present book, followed by "The Kestrel" and "The Beggar Queen") Alexander sets out to entertain us, and if he can enlighten us or provoke us to ponder important questions of responsibility and maturity along the ride, so much the better.

But the entertainment, as always with Alexander, comes first.

Theo, a "printer's devil", naively fails to consider how new regulations set forth by the Chief Minister of Westmark will affect him when, his master being out, he accepts a commission to print handbills for Count Las Bombas (a charming scalawag in the tradition of Fflewdur Fflam, but even more broadly drawn and a rogue to boot).

As quickly as the reader can guess that this might be a Bad Idea, troops have smashed up the shop, and Theo is on the run, along with Las Bombas and Musket the Demon Coachman (am alarmingly competent dwarf who spends most of his life getting Las Bombas out of trouble).

Things are Not Good in Westmark -- the King is terribly ill, the Crown Princess has vanished, and Chief Minister Cabbarus is gaining more and more control and becoming more and more authoritarian.

In the course of his adventures in this book, Theo will meet Florian, a personally gentle and sardonic but politically ruthless intellectual who seeks to put his theories into practise as he leads his "children" to establish an egalitarian Republic.

Also along for the trip is the beggar girl Mickle, who joins Theo, Las Bombas and Musket as they travel the countryside as a medicine show, and with whom Theo discovers he is falling in love before he even realises that love is what he is falling into.

As always, Alexander puts his young hero on the spot; he must decide what is "right" and do it, even though there appear to be more than one possible courses that appear "right". Prop up the Monarchy? Join Florian's Republicans? Just hide his head and hope It All Goes Away?

By the end of the book, it appears that all is set right, the evil Chief Minister banished and Theo and Mickle headed for Happy Ever After.

Of course, this is the first book of a trilogy...

Lloyd Alexander strays from his more popular fantasy adventures into a historical drama, with tinges of political thriller and, of course, a subtle coming-of-age for several characters.

Theo is a "printer's devil," the assistant to a small printer in the fictional country of Westmark; Westmark is becoming increasingly dictatorial, since the mysterious death of the young princess drove the king into depression and illness. Now the power-hungry first minister Cabbarus uses the king as a puppet. None of this is relevent to Theo until soldiers destroy the press, and he becomes a fugitive from the law.

He flees and accompanies Count Las Bombas and Musket, a jolly charlatan and a formidable dwarf. They are rapidly joined by Mickle, a talented street urchin whom Theo develops feelings for. But he can't bear the dishonesty of a charlatan's lifestyle, and so flees into a group of revolutionaries led by the charming Florian. Together, they will have face the treacherous Cabbarus, and the mysteries of the past.

Westmark is a good book, with a plausible set-up, an intriguing hero and supporting characters, and a series of moral questions that are brought up in a thought-provoking manner. Is it acceptable to steal and lie if it will result in something good, or if the person being lied to or robbed is evil himself? Theo wrestles with these questions over the course of the book, and raises them for the readers as well.

The conscientious and endearing hero Theo is surrounded by a colorful cast. There is the bright, mysterious urchin Mickle, pleasantly dishonest Las Bombas, fiery Musket, charming anti-monarchist Florian and his band of loyal "children," the grim Dr. Torrens who only wants to help his king, and the evil plotter Cabbarus.

The main flaws is a sometimes meandering storyline, and a romance that seems to develop a little too quickly with too little personal interaction. In addition to this, I felt that the book could have benefited from a longer and more developed storyline; it rushed by too fast. However, Alexander's command of language and dialogue are as expert as ever, and some of his trademarked characters (the overserious adolescent hero, the sharp-tongued love interest, the eloquent charmer) are very much present.

A good piece of historical fiction, and definitely one for adults and young adults who think.

Theo, a printer's apprentice, is about to have his whole life changed! When he agrees to print a traveling showman's pamphlet, he doesn't think about the consequences which might ensue. The printer shop is immediately closed down, his boss and friend is murdered, and a warrant is issued out for his arrest! He joins up with the traveling showman himself, Count Las Bombas who is actually a con artist, and his dwarf servant Musket. The trio is joined up by a street urchin, Mickle, who has a mysterious past. But it's not long before they are all caught up into political intrigue as the evil Chief Minister Cabbarus is planning to overthrow the king and take over the kingdom. And on the other hand, the mysterious Florian and his 'children' are determined to kick out the monarchy and put in a new government for Westmark. What will Theo do? Will he hold up the monarchy, support the revolutionists, or try to hide away from everything?

I have always loved reading the "Prydain Chronicles" which could be easily said to be one of the best fantasy novels for Young Adults. Lloyd Alexander is easily the grand master of fantasy and it is further proved when reading the "Westmark Trilogy". Besides providing plenty of lovable and interesting characters, the stories are always full of action, adventure, some romance, and humor. But differing from the "Prydain Chronicles", the "Westmark Trilogy" includes plenty of realistic political intrigue. It's almost like reading a historical fiction instead of a fantasy story.

Some people complained that this book was a bit too short which I can agree with. I think the end could of have been expanded a little more but it's nothing too bad. Thankfully, "Westmark" is only the first of a wonderful trilogy so I strongly you don't start reading this book before having all three volumes at hand.

But I must warn that in the next two books there are many deaths, including character deaths. I guess it makes the trilogy more realistic and grittier, so be warned for the faint-hearted. I myself almost cried at some points! But I do definitely recommend this trilogy for all Young Adults! Full of thrilling excitement, "Westmark" will please all fantasy fans!

It is so difficult trying to write a review on Westmark because I love the book so much. It is also hard because the book encompasses so much, both in its plot and in its commentary on life.

The plot follows Theo who is a printer's assistant. He is happy with his life except for the government he lives under. It is run from behind the throne by a tyrant, Cabbarus. One day the printing shop is attacked by soldiers trying to enforce censorship laws. In self-defence, Theo almost kills a man, and he is forced to flee as a fugitive. On his travels, he falls in with a group of scoundrels: Las Bombas (a real con man), Musket (Los Bombas's dwarf assistant), and Mickle (a brilliant girl from the streets). Mickle and Theo fall in love, but Theo moves on to fall in with a group of revolutionaries lead by Florian. In one of the climaxes (Alexander never settles for just one), Theo must fight to save his love and his country.

Alexander pumps his fascinating and complex plot with commentary on humanity. For Theo, every situation is filled with moral complexities. He is forced to examine his capacity for violence after the episode at the printing shop. Is he really a good person if he can harm another person? His feelings during battles are even examined. He also must try to decide what is worth commiting acts of violence for. Is love? Is freedom? Alexander's use of humor is also very effective as elements of farce are compared with the acts of violence. Every character (even Cabbarus) is multi-dimensional.

Westmark is a great beginning to the series. The plot is magnificent, plus it has so much depth. The series draws on Alexander's own war experiences, and it almost plays like a Billy Wilder-written examination of war and life. The Westmark Trilogy is a truly brilliant young adult series. It really can stand up along other war novels like All Along the Western Front and The Red Badge of Courage.

This book is awesome. I just finished reading it for the second time yesterday. Even though I had read it before, I still got tense and excited at different parts. There's lots of action; there's no boring parts and I really couldn't put it down. Yet with all the adventure, it's still very thought-provocing.

There's fun and humorous parts, heroics, love, adventure, rebels, quacks, beggars, dwarfs, kings, queens, evil villians.....this book really has everything. I reccomend this especially to any kid age 10-14.

Westmark Dell Publishing, 1981, 190pp., $4.50
Lloyd Alexander ISBN: 0-440-9973-3

When was the last time you thought about whether or not it is right to kill someone? Is it ever right to kill someone? Yes? No? Are you sure? To help you with this difficult question, Westmark is an adventurous read that makes you think about the difference between right and wrong. Lloyd Alexander has realistically crafted a tale focusing on the struggles of one virtuous character, Theo.
The story begins with Theo working as a newspaper apprentice to his master named Anton. Theo is an orphan and had several other jobs before Anton took him in. These jobs consisted of ones such as a cooper, a person who repairs barrels. Eventually, he ended up being Anton's apprentice, Theo thinks of him as a father. It seems as if life is going well.
However, one day Theo accepts a request to write an article from a mysterious and wealthy character. With the offer of money, Theo could not refuse and agreed to have the article done by 9:00 AM the next day. Although he considered this task to be pretty impossible, he got himself pretty far along by the time Anton came home and began to help. The two worked diligently until interrupted by a visit from Militia Men. They had come to do a routine inspection, which had not gone as smoothly as planned. This, my fellow readers, is the start of it all. Don't know what "all" refers to? Then I suggest you get a move on and read the book. When you finally do find out, don't worry, because it doesn't end there.
During the story, Theo has two encounters with Las Bombas and Musket. The first was inside a coach after traveling from his hometown Dorning. Musket wanted Theo to leave and after pleading, Theo eventually managed to persuade Musket partially. Musket told him to wait and not go anywhere while he went to get Las Bombas. Las Bombas briefly spoke with Theo about his problems and suggested that he not go back to town. Las Bombas also hinted as to where Theo should go, which ended up being through the fields. Theo took his advice which lead to where they met up again.
During the second encounter, Las Bombas persuaded Theo to go with him. Afterwards, they traveled together and met up with Mickle. At the time she was an unhealthily skinny person. Mickle messed up one of Las Bombas' schemes by throwing her voice an object that was supposed to act as a fortune teller. They ended up making a lot of money which was enough to convince Las Bombas that she would be useful. Despite Las Bombas' scheming nature, Theo was fond of him. Musket would always mind his own business and went along with everything and Mickle is a sensitive girl who up front, pretends to be tough. Her and Theo became really close over time.
Westmark is told in third person and even though it may seem realistic, it is actually a science fiction/fantasy novel as well. The realness of the story connects mostly through Theo. Throughout the story as Theo worked with his friends and watched them trick people out of money, he realized for one of the first times that his own dignity is wavering. Later on, he observed one of his friends named Florian shoot people without hesitation and struggled even more. He found much conflict in his need to be virtuous and dignified. Unfortunately, since the world revolves around such dishonest acts, Theo had a lot coming to him.
I highly recommend Westmark by Lloyd Alexander. He has done an excellent job of weaving a quilt filled with adventure, personal conflict and moral. This book concentrates on realistic issues which helps bring the story to life before your very own eyes. I was captivated by the unfailing suspense, barely allowing me to put the book down. If you need guidance deciding between what's wrong and right in the world, Westmark is the book for you. Regret, you will not feel.

Theo is a nondescript printers apprentice in the Kingdom of Westmark, and although he is unaware of it, all is not well within his homeland. The country has fallen under the sway of the villainous Minister Cabbarus, and he is slowly yet surely depriving the people of their freedoms. When soldiers come to enforce censorship laws at his press, Theo fights back, and by so doing becomes a fugitive and an outlaw.

From there, he takes up with several colorful characters that could only spring from the imagination of Lloyd Alexander. Las Bombas the con-man, the surly dwarf Musket, the urchin girl Mickel, and Theo compose an eclectic company of rogues trying to make their way through troubled times. Add to that the charismatic revolutionary Florian and his band of rebels, and Theo's entire world is a whirlwind of activity and uncertainty.

"Westmark" sets up a great tale of romance, warfare, political intrigue, and personal discovery that makes it a true delight to read, as well as a page turning adventure. Theo especially must come to terms with his life, the youth that he's been, and the man that he wants to become. Although technically a young adult novel, Alexander takes on several serious issues in this novel, such as censorship, violence, and morality, all of which make it a thought provoking and entertaining read. Lloyd Alexander delivers a masterpiece, and the best part is that after "Westmark", there are still two more books to read.

Westmark is a thought-provoking and powerfully told tale of decision and consequence. As a novel for young people, it carries its weight well by balancing hard-hitting moral and ethical issues with humor and action. While we hate Cabbarus, who has murdered people who would get in his way, how can he be any more evil than some other characters? Isn't Mickle, who steals, just as guilty? What about Florian, who rebels against the monarchy through violent means? How about Las Bombas, who uses deception and trickery to fill his pockets? Throughout the story, Theo (the main character) is forced to weigh his own ethical standards with these and other characters -- and make the decisions and judgments for himself.

The story is best reserved for late elementary (say 4-6 grade)or middle school students, as some of the situations may be too intense for younger readers. Lovers of Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles will not be disappointed by this series.

This book has got it all. For readers who like adventure, it has tons of it! For readers who like romance, it has that, too. For readers who like books that are 0% boring, this is one of those books. I've suggested it to all my friends who like to read, and now I'm suggesting it to whoever's reading this comment: It's just plain REALLY GOOD!