Random Readings 14

"The end?" said Abilene indignantly.

"Yes," said Pellegrina, "the end."

"But it can't be."

"Why can't it be?"

"Because it came too quickly. Because no one is living happily ever after, that's why."

"Ah, and so." Pellegrina nodded. She was quiet for a moment. "But answer me this: how can a story end happily if there is no love? But. Well. It is late. And you must go to sleep."

Pellegrina took Edward from Abiline. She put him in his bed and pulled the sheet up to his whiskers. She leaned close to him. She whispered, "You disappoint me."

– from The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
    by Kate DiCamillo
    Beautiful illustration by the extremely gifted Bagram Ibatoulline.

Comments

[Ellen]

The illustrations are beautiful. Was a fan of her other novel,'Because of Winn Dixie', I'll have to check this one out.

I can't believe you know my sisters! What a small world. Karin mentioned several years ago she had a friend who worked at Hallmark, that must have been you?

[Patricia]

Hmmmm...don't think it was me...I haven't talked to Karin in a very long time (though I did visit Ingie & Emma's house last summer). Most of the greeting card work I did was with American Greetings; just did a little bit for Hallmark.

I remember as a teenager going over to visit Ingie a few times at your house, meeting your parents (who were both very nice), and I recall meeting your other sister Tina, too. Don't remember ever meeting you, though! Sorry!

I recommend 'Edward Tulane' very highly. A beautiful and at times heart-breaking story. And if you haven't read it, also try 'The Tale of Despereaux' also by Kate DiCamillo. That lady can write!

[Lyn Hopper]

There's a great quote in Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. Miss Prism (Act II) says "The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what Fiction means."

[Isabella]

I loved Despereaux, and have been meaning to pick this one up. This excerpt sold me.

[Patricia]

Oh, Isabella, I know you will love this. I just know it!