The Coachman Rat

Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully Dark Fairy Tale
Review: "The Coachman Rat" begins like a Cinderella story, except it's told from the rat's point of view. He's turned into a coachman one night and given the name Robert so a young scullery maid (Amadea) can attend a prince's ball in style. He was given just that one night as a man, but it was enough to convince him he must remain human.

So, after the spell was broken, Robert went in search of the "godmother" to have her change him back. He doesn't find her until a very pivotal scene when Amadea is condemned as a witch for speaking to animals (Robert) and invoking demons (the "godmother"), and she and her husband (the prince) are killed by a mob in public. It's one of my favorite parts of the book and puts an interesting, realistic twist on the traditional Cinderella story.

Robert does get transformed back into human form, but he's tormented by his growing hatred for man and seeks revenge for Amadea's death by organizing an army of rats like the Pied Piper.

The story has no sex or graphic blood and gore, but I don't consider it a kid's book. I would recommend "The Coachman Rat" to anyone who likes darker fantasy / fairy tale stories with animal characters, particularly rats. It's very entertaining and will make you think afterwards. The ending is also appropriate considering the rat's stigma during the Middle Ages.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully Dark Fairy Tale
Review: "The Coachman Rat" begins like a Cinderella story, except it's told from the rat's point of view. He's turned into a coachman one night and given the name Robert so a young scullery maid (Amadea) can attend a prince's ball in style. He was given just that one night as a man, but it was enough to convince him he must remain human.

So, after the spell was broken, Robert went in search of the "godmother" to have her change him back. He doesn't find her until a very pivotal scene when Amadea is condemned as a witch for speaking to animals (Robert) and invoking demons (the "godmother"), and she and her husband (the prince) are killed by a mob in public. It's one of my favorite parts of the book and puts an interesting, realistic twist on the traditional Cinderella story.

Robert does get transformed back into human form, but he's tormented by his growing hatred for man and seeks revenge for Amadea's death by organizing an army of rats like the Pied Piper.

The story has no sex or graphic blood and gore, but I don't consider it a kid's book. I would recommend "The Coachman Rat" to anyone who likes darker fantasy / fairy tale stories with animal characters, particularly rats. It's very entertaining and will make you think afterwards. The ending is also appropriate considering the rat's stigma during the Middle Ages.

Rating:
Summary: A Further Tale of the Coachman
Review: The Coachman Rat goes past the fairy tale of Cinderella and shows in historical perspective what would probabably have happened to many of the major characters. Cinderella and her prince are set up as tyrants and consorts of witches, leading to overthrow and death. The story of the vengeful rats retaliation is also historically based and adds a great twist. Highly recommended for young adults and adults alike.

Rating:
Summary: Imaginative, but very dark
Review: This is a well written and highly imaginative tale of what happened to Cinderella's coachman after he was turned back into a rat. Unfortunately the story is dark almost to the point of becoming a horror book. If the truly dark, grim fairy tales appeal to you, you will love this book. I like mine a little lighter.