The Fablesinger - Softcover

Colombo, Judith Woolcock

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0595190588 ISBN 13: 9780595190584

Publisher: iUniverse, 2001

Synopsis

The Fablesinger, in the words of Kirkus Reviews, is a mythical tale of a struggle between the forces of good and evilwhich engulfs the reader with its power and conviction. The novels plot travels between reality and myth enfolding the reader in the magic and mystery of Caribbean Myths where a young girl grows to become a powerful shaman.

About this title

About the Author:

Judith Woolcock Colombo was born in Kingston, Jamaica W.I. She received her BA from Fordham University and her MA from The New School. She lived for over twenty years in New York where she also taught English as an adjunct instructor at several colleges. She now lives in upstate New York. The Fablesinger was her first novel. Her second novel, Night Crimes, will be published in the spring of 2001 by PublishAmerica.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 10 Up-- A strange, disjointed book. The titular character is an elderly woman who lives in a poor village in an unnamed location. The Fablesinger is a Mayal, a priestess of an ancient African religion. Opposing her is the Obeah man, a priest of the Great Shadow and practitioner of dark, voodoolike arts. Entering their conflict is Marcia, an anthropology student of mixed race who becomes the Fablesinger's apprentice. Colombo writes in a knowledgeable and nonexploitative way about a segment of African-American culture that is rarely explored--the survival of ancient religions and beliefs. She also pulls off a very tricky feat: writing in dialect. The Fablesinger speaks in a Gullahlike language that is rhythmic and unfamiliar, yet clear and understandable. However, there is a lot of plot crammed into this slim novel. As a result, some developments are described in great detail while others are glossed over quickly, making it difficult for readers to get any sense of time. Not only is the time fragmented, but also the geography remains elusive. Although there are enough clues that these events are taking place in real time and real space, readers can only guess that the location is somewhere in a former slave state, or possibly a Caribbean island. A book with very limited appeal. --Susan M. Harding, Mesquite Public Library, TX
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: iUniverse
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0595190588
• ISBN 13: 9780595190584
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 140