I'd forgotten how wry Alexander can be and how delightful his characters are. I'm glad this came up at a good time for a revisit. ( )

Lloyd Alexander is an author I have always enjoyed. This is one of his lesser known books and while it is not my favorite of his it is still quite good. His writing style is such that it definitely stands up to the test of time. ( )

It was a pleasant read. It reminded me of my very limited knowledge of Greek mythology because I only caught a few of the allusions. Perhaps I need to read a book such as: [b:Percy Jackson's Greek Gods|32280405|Percy Jackson's Greek Gods|Rick Riordan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1474938388s/32280405.jpg|26384073], which a daughter gave to me last month.

It also reminded me a lot of the Wizard of Oz.

At times the women seem too trusting in the men. ( )

This tale of three friends (a boy, a girl, and a poet turned into a donkey) borrows tales from the Iliad and Odyssey, and turns them into something new and exciting. The friends are off to save a kingdom, save a religion, and turn the poet human again (before he's a permanent donkey). Lucian and Joy-in-the-Dance are also falling in love and finding themselves. ( )

Alexander's whimsical story-telling voice is as strong as ever, but the plot and mythic elements did not move me in the way his other works have.

I felt the re-imagining of traditional tales in this context to be pleasant enough, but it didn't add to my experience, or draw out the spark I was hoping for.