TALE OF THE FLYING FOREST

Eleven-year-old Anne Applebaum lives in Silverthorne, adjoining the mystical flying forest of Bei Ilai.

Anne and her mom share a love for the tales of the Bei Ilai queens, witches and prophetesses contained in a special book, The World To Come. Mom tells Anne of a dream she used to have in which she was expecting twins—Anne and a boy she called Rainer. But Anne was born alone. When Mom dies soon after Anne’s 11th birthday, she’s left grieving with an undemonstrative father and a deep desire to solve the mystery of her brother’s possible existence. She sets out on a quest—one filled with adventure, danger, terror, new friends, and one terrible enemy—that takes her into Bei Ilai, where she encounters some of the characters from the book. A narrator tells “our heroine’s” story in great detail, addressing the “gentle reader” directly and offering interludes, backstories, insights, warnings, and assurances. The narrator also displays sympathy, compassion, and admiration for Anne and her companions. The enemy is a true monster, one who cruelly uses others for his own gain. References to Jewish traditions, prayers, and symbolism are integral to the storytelling. Although some readers may find the text dense and difficult to follow, the novel is ultimately well worth the effort. Final art not seen.

An exciting, tender, and appealing adventure.