Rating: 
Summary: "It Will Give My World Reason to Punish Yours..."
Review: "The Lives of Christopher Chant" is set twenty-five years before the events told in "Charmed Life", but was published after it in 1988. Although many would avidly insist that you must read such books in publishing rather than chronological order (just look at the debate that rages over how you're supposed to read the "Chronicles of Narnia") I would suggest reading this before "Charmed Life." It will not ruin any of the surprises in that book, and instead drops little hints throughout (such as Chrestomanci's aversion to silver, and the name of his future wife) that will become that much more enjoyable when you read of them in "Charmed Life".
Set in a parallel world where magic is an everyday occurrence young Christopher Chant lives a rather dull life, caught between his neglectful and feuding parents. Thank goodness for his dreams, which allow him to wander about in secret worlds - and are so vivid he often brings back objects with him into waking life! But after he meets his Uncle Ralph things begin to get more interesting. Organising his young nephew to meet a man named Tacroy in his dreams, Ralph instructs Christopher on removing other, larger things from his dreams into the real world. Seeing it as a fun game, as well as liking both his uncle and Tacroy very much, Christopher plays along.
Between these exertions and visits to the young girl known as the Living Goddess, Christopher finds that life is not entirely what he wants it to be. With a longing only to become a professional cricketer, Christopher is horrified to find that he is destined to be the next Chrestomanci - the nine-lived enchanter in charge of governing magic in the worlds. Taken to Chrestomanci Castle, he is sulky and unco-operative - until the magic smuggler known as the Wraith grows in power, and the Goddess herself escapes into his world. Now Christopher is forced to take action...
A fascinating, intricate, quirky book that takes place over several years and draws on several genres (only Diana Wynne Jones can go from English boarding school to Arabian Nights to elfish and Biblical lore), this could possibly be my favourite in the Chrestomanci quartet. Once again, the author proves she is an expert at human behaviour, a fan of cats and someone who's not afraid to tackle large and important issues in children's books.
She's also wonderful at portraying the lack of self-awareness in people: one of the most memorable scenes is when Christopher makes an off-handed comment and is suddenly reprimanded by his teacher for years of selfishness and snobbery. Christopher is stunned, having no idea that he was so disliked - but on closer reflection he realises it's true. "The Lives of Christopher Chant" deeply explores these ideas - that we can't always follow the dreams that we want, that we must sometimes put others before ourselves, and we have a responsibility to use our natural gifts.
The characters are wonderful as usual - from Christopher himself who you watch grow as the novel progresses, to the spunky Goddess, to the terrifying cat Throgmorton and the amiable, elusive Uncle Ralph. Things are never quite what they appear in these novels, and it is as fun to explore the "Anywheres" along with Christopher. "The Lives of Christopher Chant" is a great read, and a wonderful place to begin the journeys into the rest of the Chrestomanci books.
Rating: 
Summary: A different take on a character
Review: Although Christopher Chant appears in the other books of the Chrestomanci series, this is the deepest look into the character of Christopher, and instead of a breif glimpse, we are given a basis for his actions and his ideas in the preceeding books.In 'The Lives of Christopher Chant' we start by looking at a different world through the eyes of young Christopher: his strange and distant relationship with his parents, the continual changing of his nursery maids and governesses, and his private trips in his dreams to mysterious places. When his Uncle Ralph appears and treats Christopher differently, more as a capable person than a isolated child, he is ready to idolise him and obey him in any way possible, believing Ralph to be kind, unselfish and caring, when in reality he is quite different. Christopher is asked to go on trips to these other worlds, and does so without question, returning with strange items, not suspecting the trickery behind his actions. Christopher goes to school, where people begin to suspect about the extrodinary power behind his average facade. In this book we see aspects of rebellion, friendship, childish hatred, boredom and unhappiness that many children are able to relate to. All this is tied in with adventure, magic, believeable characters and imaginative twists. Another great aspect is the faint idea that not all people classed as 'evil' are so easily catagoried when you compare their actions to the humane areas of their personality. I loved this story, and felt it to be one of the best books in Diana Wyne Jones's Chrestomanci series. From here you really start to understand the character of Christopher, laying new undercurrents in the other titles. The concepts, language, plot and dimension, as well as the originality, makes it one of the few really brilliant children's books around. This book was extrodinary, and deserves much more popularity and recognition than it has got.
Rating:
Summary: Christopher Chant is enchanting!
Review: Christopher Chant decends from enchanters and sorceresses. Yet the only thing that is magical about Christopher is his dreams. At night, he travels into The Place Between. From there he goes into the Anywheres, where he meets mysterious people who give him mysterious gifts. Christopher is perfectly content until his father takes him to Dr. Pawson to find out way he can't do magic. After that he is sent to Chrestomanci Castle to become the world's next Chrestomanci. He hates it there! Will Christopher ever survive?
Rating:
Summary: It was the most interesting book i've ever read!
Review: Christopher tells this fiction story and it is written in the neatest way! How the author came up with all of the creative storylines and cool creatures...I'll never know! Read this book as soon as you can . But just don't be fooled by the not-so-interesting begining !
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Young Adult Fantasy
Review: Despite his connections with the world of enchantment, Christopher Chant is more interested in cricket that magic. Blessed, or cursed, with nine lives and the ability to travel to spirit worlds in his dreams, Christopher isn't too thrilled to discover that he is destined to become the next Chrestomanci. Quite content with his dream worlds and performing tasks for his Uncle Ralph, Christopher is horrified when he is made to leave school and friends behind and travel to Chrestomanci Castle. Here he will learn the skills necessary for his future role, a role that Christopher definitely does not want. Soon the future Chrestomanci is battling a group of smugglers attempting to steal from the dream worlds.... "The Lives of Christopher Chant" is young adult fantasy at its best. The plot is magical and will keep you reading right up until the end. A little slow to get going, the action soon picks up and never stops. Anyone who likes adventure or fantasy should love this. I can't wait to read the remaining books in the Chrestomanci series.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic and charming!
Review: Diana is one author that has never ceased to amaze me with her skills and novels that sweep me right into the books. This series is one that I just could not put down, it's fantastic! Her characters are charming as can be and the story lines are easy to follow but with exciting jumps and turns to keep everyone interested! This is a MUST READ series!
Rating:
Summary: The Greatness of Dianna Wynne Jones
Review: Diana Wynne Jones is the best fantasy writer ever. Why is she not more famous than J.K. Rowling? The Lives of Christopher Chant was our first introduction to the worlds of magic and adventure that Diana Wynne Jones spins in every book. We barrelled through the Christopher Chant series, The Dalemark Quartet, and searched all of the bookstores for every last story. Our family's all-time favorites are Time of the Ghost and Archer's Goon. Every kid from age 6 to 66 will love these charming, enchanting tales.
Rating:
Summary: Harry Potter can't forget C. Chant. Neither should you.
Review: Diana Wynne Jones wrote the archetype that the Harry Potter series seems to be derived from in every aspect. These are funnier, constructed more carefully, and slightly more challenging. Though I haven't read these books in a while, they are the perfect foundation for cultivating a dry British wit in any 10-15 year old. I would recommend all of DW Jones' books, but this series, Tale of Time City, and Witch week are probably her best.
Rating:
Summary: WOW
Review: Even though he doesn't know it Christopher spirit travels every night. This happens in his dreams he goes to what Christopher calls the Place Between and the Anywheres. When his uncle finds out there are experiments that his uncle wants to do. But are they such honest experiments?
Of all of Diana Wynne Jones' books that I have read so far this has to be my favorite. I couldn't stop reading. A really well written masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: A thrilling tale of the Chrestomanci
Review: Evey night when young Christopher Chant goes to sleep he turns a corner in his room and enters The Place Between. From there he enters the Anywheres, magical worlds where people are kind to him and give him gifts. And when people find out about his gifts and the fact that he has nine lives they're more than thrilled. CHristopher suddenly finds himself thrown into two words. The world of his Uncle and his magical tests in the anywheres, and the world of the Chrestomanci in the Chrestomanci castle. Through this story CHristopher's magic and loyalty will be tested. And even though he dosen't want it, he's destined to become the great Chrestomanci who we know of so well in Charmed Life. In my opinion this book housed what the last one I read (Magicians of Caprona) lacked. THe actual presence of the Chrestomanci for more than a couple scenes. I really enjoyed this book and even though I'm done with the series (it was good while it lasted) I'm thinkign about digging into more of the authors work. If you like tales of magic and adventure you'll love this book.
|
