Alphabet of Dreams

I’m a sucker for well-known stories re-told from a different perspective, Wicked by Gregory Maguire being one of my favorites along with books by Donna Jo Napoli, so Fletcher’s novel caught my attention right away. As a former Catholic school girl, I know the New Testament story of the Three Magi pretty well, but Fletcher tells the story from the perspective of a Persian princess reduced to living in caves and stealing food after her family is slaughtered by her father’s enemies. Mitra discovers quite by accident that her little brother, Babek, can dream other people’s dreams, a skill that brings him to the attention of the Magus Melchior. Mitra and Babek journey to Bethlehem with Melchior and two other Magi to witness the birth show more of Christ, enduring all sorts of hardships and learning a thing or two about family in the process. I really liked Mitra — as my grandmother used to day, she has pluck! –and I found Babek’s gift fascinating and a little scary. The characters are well-drawn, especially the three Magi and the bodyguard who keeps Mitra and Babek safe. A lovely story all around… show less

Alphabet of Dreams by Susan Fletcher - I'm a sucker for well-known stories re-told from a different perspective, Wicked by Gregory Maguire being one of my favorites along with books by Donna Jo Napoli, so Fletcher's novel caught my attention right away. As a former Catholic school girl, I know the New Testament story of the Three Magi pretty well, but Fletcher tells the story from the perspective of a Persian princess reduced to living in caves and stealing food after her family is slaughtered by her father's enemies. Mitra discovers quite by accident that her little brother, Babek, can dream other people's dreams, a skill that brings him to the attention of the Magus Melchior. Mitra and Babek journey to Bethlehem with Melchior and two show more other Magi to witness the birth of Christ, enduring all sorts of hardships and learning a thing or two about family in the process. I really liked Mitra -- as my grandmother used to day, she has pluck! --and I found Babek's gift fascinating and a little scary. The characters are well-drawn, especially the three Magi and the bodyguard who keeps Mitra and Babek safe. A lovely story all around... show less

Alphabet of Dreams by Susan Fletcher is a YA novel that is set in the time of the birth of Jesus. In ancient Persia a girl called Mitra and her younger brother, Babak, children of a rebellious noble, have disguised themselves as beggars as the King is searching for them in order to wipe out the whole family. Babak , unfortunately, calls attention to them by experiencing prophetic dreams that have people vying for his services. Mitra disguises herself as a boy, and she and Babak join the caravan of the three magi on a long and arduous trip to Bethlehem.

The magi have studied the stars and know that something of great importance is about to occur, but Babak’s dreams are able to help them put the pieces into place. As the wise men travel show more to Bethlehem to seek out the birth of this unknown king, Babak is often called upon for his dreams. These dreams take a terrible toil on Babak and Mitra can see that he is going to die unless she finds a place of safety for him.

Although the story of the birth of Christ is an important element of the book, Mitra is the main character and her coming-of-age is front and centre as she learns to understand her place in the world, how she can protect her younger brother, and, who she and her brother can turn to in order to finally find the home that they seek. There are reasons for it but Mitra isn’t the most likeable character as she can be very stubborn and selfish but her love and desire to protect her younger brother is strong. I found this an interesting and touching story and it was obvious that the author had done her research. I appreciated the fact that she clarified much of the history and geography in her notes at the end of the book. The Alphabet of Dreams was a solid historical story aimed at a younger audience but still enjoyable to adults. show less

Teens in my galley group and at my high school often really want to write about religion. Too often, however, the writing lacks any soul. It has no personality. While Fletcher is not writing a religious book per se, she is writing about religion. Alphabet of Dreams is exceptional in its ability to look at a beloved, sacred story in a secular manner without being disrespectful—a hallmark of distinguished writing and writers. Alphabet of Dreams is a different sort of historical fiction, religious historical fiction maybe? Historical, spiritual fiction? This is the story of the three wise men, told through the eyes of a young dreamer (as reported by his sister/brother). The only thing that troubles me with this book is the disguised girl show more device, which doesn't really seem necessary (why not really just make him either the brother or the sister?). Zoya, too, does not seem to be consistently portrayed or believable—minor considerations, however, for the overall impact of the book. Mitra and Babak and the wise men travel, not as mythological characters, but as real people. What I like about this book is that it makes this well-known story available to many different believers in a way that is both engaging and respectful. As I read, I stopped to imagine the different points of view that would have existed in, say, the person who did not travel to Bethlehem, but had to deal with the aftermath of Herod. Just what might that person wonder about stars? I admire this ability to provoke fresh thoughts about a very familiar story. Recommended for middle school libraries and up. show less

This book was really great. Mitra was a great sympathetic narrator and I really enjoyed learning more about ancient Persian culture. I did give it four stars because at times she became a little obsessed with whether or not certain young men thought she was a boy or a girl (she's really a girl hiding as a boy). Most of all I loved how the Magi were portrayed, each with a distinctive personality and each taking something from the miraculous meeting with the infant-king-to-be. Good read.

beautifully written. wonderful detail of Persia at the time... sympathetic characters and surprisingly easy to identify with. I was mesmerized

The author is writing about a brother and sister who have been forced to hide from the king. They steel to survive as their father has been accused of plotting against the King. When Mitra figures out that her brother, Babak, can tell people the truth of their dreams when he sleeps with an object of theirs next to his body she figures out that she can sell his talents to survive on the streets. Oregon Battle of the Book-Use in class to discuss religion or relationships.