Gulliver's Travels

Review also includes:

King Arthur, ***, retold by James Riordan, 96pp, 978-0192741943

Don Quixote, ***, Miguel de Cervantes, retold by Michael Harrison, 96pp, 978-0192741936

El Cid, ****, retold by Geraldine McCaughrean, 128pp, 978-0192741967

Moby Dick, ****, Herman Melville, retold by Geraldine McCaughrean, 96pp, 978-0192741929

All illustrated by Rosamund Fowler

This series aims to introduce the great characters of world literature and so the retellings are quite free in their editing of the original plots. These are not overtly simplified versions in their language use and so provide very satisfying reads for any young reader, who might be further inspired to have a bash at the originals.

Geraldine McCaughrean’s titles are by far the most inspired in their rich evocation of character and period. Furthermore, the pace and depth of the stories is impressive, so that there is a tangible sense that the new writer has skilfully provided us with a piece of literature in its own right.

The Quixote has an apt quirkiness about it that appeals and Harrison’s afterword goes a long way to explain the style he has chosen to use. The humour and fun of the original yarn is worked well into the latest version, which should be most accessible to modern, young readers.

Arthur and Gulliver are told in a straightforward way, well paced and with plenty of reading excitement. The latter is a quick read, retaining a strong hint of Gulliver the storyteller, who might just be stretching things a bit! The Arthur whizzes through the familiar territory, focusing on action more than magic and intrigue. This one might have done with a few more pages.

All worthy titles to fire the cannon of great literature into modern youth!