Friday, August 23, 2013

Luka and The Fire of Life by Salman Rushdie




Adventures can change your life forever. No one knows this more than Luka, son of a story teller, and his father's only hope. As Luka helplessly watches his father become ill, he can only wonder why it hasn't been his turn for an adventure. But when his Antifather or Nobodaddy appears, telling him that the only way he can save his father is to journey into the World of Magic, Luka decides to take up the challenge, and together with Bear the dog and Dog the bear, he follows Nobodaddy to the World of Magic and begins his task to steal the fire of life. With numerous foes before him, including the deadliest villians and most viscious deities from his father's stories, Luka the twelve year old journeys through a familar yet strange world and discovers a power he never knew he had. But will he reach his father in time, or is Nobodaddy lying about his motive to pass the time?
This book was an amazing journey, with more cameos from mythology around the world to name. From the creative characters to the powerful folklore, this novel honors the story and what can be created from it. Luka himself is a clever tweleve year old, brave and caring. His love of his father and  every story his father told him is a strong theme in the story, and helps Luka grow to stand alongside his favorite heroes. 
At first glance, this may look like a children's tale, and through the format and the playful tone, I believe it can pass as one. On second glance, this is a philosophical musing of the power stories have over us, and the power that we unknowingly carrry ourselves. With familiar friends and foes from beloved stories around the world, and orignal, new friends from Luka's father's stories, this book is a true escape into the imagination and an enjoyable read. 
I recommend this book to anyone who love stories, mythology, folklore and the imagination. 
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