Review: Friends Await in Ballymore
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 14, 2013
This enchanting work, currently available only as an e-book, takes readers on a pleasant excursion of simpler times. Set in rural Ireland in 1891, "Tales From the Glades of Ballymore" focuses on the intertwined lives of various woodland creatures--not all of which are native to the area, as the author mentions in the preface--whose proper names begin with the first letter of their species name, such as Branna Bluebird. The story is reminiscent of "The Wind in the Willows," and although all of the main characters have the ability to speak, not all of the animals mentioned in the book do, a motif common to this genre. Created with a bedtime story format and thus occasional direct addresses from the narrator, each chapter is divided into several parts for easier reading, and there is a helpful character list both at the beginning and end of the book as well as appealing illustrations throughout.The animals of Ballymore work and play together, exemplifying the Golden Rule, which forms the philosophical backbone of the volume. From building a water pump delivery system to encountering the mysterious pond creature, the characters are certain to provide delight in their overall simplicity and humble lifestyle. However, the focal point of the plot lies in the discovery of a letter written by Cyrus Owl in 1801, which informs the residents that a gift awaits them if they follow a series of instructions. They must collaborate to collect pieces of the puzzle from several different locations, tasks which may be dangerous but which will prove ultimately rewarding if they persevere.Although this is a charming and essentially peaceful work of fiction for both children and adults alike, older readers will likely discover some discrepancies. For instance, there is an occasional use of anachronistic phrases, and some of the characters and situations seem to be somewhat neglected and could stand to be more fully developed. By and large, however, "Tales From the Glades of Ballymore" is an enjoyable, straightforward read for any season.