"On the first day, there was a
banquet for the residents.
I neither
ate nor drank.
On the second day,
the feasting continued
I neither ate
nor drank."
This memorable and unexpected tale begins with a six-line poem that heralds what is about to happen. Its words are repeated throughout in response to the action that begins with a young girl and her brothers. Across a dry and dusty landscape they drive, stopping to pick some flowers for their mother. They laugh as they repeat a line about roses and Teller's Hollow. The move on to a silent building nearby where they might ask for a drink of water. They drink from the spring without permission. Their sister wants to leave.
"Danny was muttering that he was
hungry. Inside was a table laden
with food.
Mom's voice sang in a memory,
"Break bread for the Keeper, now
we descend deeper."
The Teller knows how to tempt her older brothers into accepting his offer to eat and drink. Her brothers are now captive because of the decisions they made. After a swim, they turn into dolphins and will remain forever. The girl wants her brothers back. The Teller is surprised when the sister accepts his offer for freedom if she refuses to eat or drink for three days. Throughout those three days, the girl is steadfast in keeping her word. Although the Teller tries to break the deal, he finally admits defeat.
"And the hotel, the residents, and the Teller all exploded into dust."
The Teller leaves her with a revelation: because she did take some water to keep the flowers alive for her mother, her children will visit the Teller at some point and be given the same choices given to her and her brothers.
Eerie and memorable, readers are left with many questions and few real answers. Perfect for older readers who will not be happy reading it only once, Levi Pinfold's striking mixed media artwork is haunting and, as fans will expect, full of incredible detail. Sure to spark discussion and speculation, it's a 'Keeper'.
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