Stevie - I should go check out the official site again as more information may be available.
I haven't figured out The Little White Horse, . . . yet . . . . I thought maybe 8 or 9 year olds, if they do a lot of reading or have stories read to them like my sister does would be th low end of the age range, but yes 11 to 14 is probably prime age for reading this story. The movie because of all the visuals will probably extend to that 8 or 9 year range. Maybe too scary for younger kids depending on what they are used to watching. Of course, so many young one watch things like Harry Potter which would have petrified me at that age that they may enjoy it as I don't find this nearly as scary as HP.
I would have been scared of Harry Potter when I was little. Shoot,I was scared by the "Wizard of Oz"! Flying monkeys, a witch, tornado...........MOONACRE might be pretty tame stuff for little kids today..... :dunno I was interested in what Ioan had to say in that new interview over in the SNIPPETS thread. It sounds as if they at least changed the opening set-up of the story, to give it a more contemporary feel,doesn't it? I KNOW it is a "based on the book by...." story, but surely hope they don't lose the basic charm and feel of the tale.------------------------ Now the ending,the LITTLE WHITE HORSE, the characters,---not going to give it away,sorry---BUT, I will say it may not be as simple an ending as one might think. Depending on the reader's perceptions, and personal experiences, this "fairy tale" may afterwards well lend itself to some snuggle-up time with your favorite child(ren); and, some heart-to-heart talk about reaching for dreams, working one's plan, and showing determination in life. What do YOU think????
I finished it last night and have to agree with you on the ending. The reader intrepret the story as the standard fairy tale that it is remeniscent of or take it as the allegory the author hints at with the reference to Pilgrims Progress. The themes of faults vs. virtures, self-centeredness vs. concern for community, pride vs. humility and what sacrifice can achieve. Many are similar to the themes in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Like that book The Little White Horse can be read on many levels.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOR THE END - Like that book, for those well versed in Christianity can certainly read Maria as a Christ figure or a follower of Christ's path. I'd have to read it again to really study it, but she doesn't exactly fall into that pattern as usually they have wounding and a few other details. But the concept of sacrifice resulting in good for the many, going through the darkness, being washed clean and having a changed character. My brain is still a little foggy to think of a number of other allusions, but there were many.
I do wish she had written another book about the time period after this when Maria and Robin reign over Moonacre. Of course if a grown Robin were to look like Ioan that would be even better.
I just started it. About 10 minutes ago. I arrived at description of Sir Benjamin and ... :rotf: I finally see what you mean with lots of make up or change the characteristics a bit. :rotf: But so far he seems nice.
Will let you know what I thought of it.. Just this was too funny. :twisted:
I'm hoping they leave off the make-up and just have the character be younger, but the same personality since they change a lot of stories for movies anyway. Natscha McElhone is about the same age, so maybe they both will play younger. Though it would be interesting to see what Ioan would look like as an older, heavier man.
Don't you think he'll make a very dashing Sir Benjamin, though? I can just see him in the costumes as described in the story. --------------Sylviane, you're right, I crinkled up my nose when Sir B. was described too. Then I thought about him for the part of Robin-----nah,.....that didn't work either........Ioan's too old for that part.........but I'm going to say they will have Ioan playing a trim and gallant gentleman..................(Boy, am I gonna laugh if he's NOT played that way!! Should be fun to see.) Have fun with the book. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ANNEE, Thank you for that nice article about DB Richards. Enjoyed it a lot!