"And day by day, Beanie grew to love Rose more
and more, which was not how bansheenies usually
felt about their humans. Normally, being a
bansheenie was just a job, and Beanie was not
supposed to care about Rose herself.
But she did care. She cared a lot."
I am not of Irish heritage. I did know a little about banshees; I did not understand their job was to let a human know when they were going to die. There is much to know about the bansheenie itself. They grow in pods on the underside of a fairy bridge. Once transparent, they will form an attachment with the first person they see, and will know when that human will die. Prior to that date, the bansheenie will howl a banshee howl giving them time to say their goodbyes.
Before bonding with Rose for the first time, Beanie was the victim of an unfortunate circumstance; she was knocked loose from the bridge and fell into a water-filled ditch. Stuck there for weeks while she grew to hatching size, she met the 'teeny-tiny atom fish' who lived in the water. They taught her much, gave her a happy name, and loved her, in keeping with their own personalities.
When Beanie finally got a good look at Rose, she realized she did not know when Rose would die. It was her only purpose on earth. She decided to learn more about Rose, and learn she did by watching and listening to Rose and her family. Knowing that Rose would not see her until it was her turn to die, Beanie could watch closely and enjoy the days. She grew to love Rose.
When disaster threatens Rose and her family, Beanie does her best to save them. How will she help when Rose cannot see her, or hear her banshee howl?
Dramatic and original, this is a story that could frighten readers with its talk about banshees. It does not. The marvelous storytelling that we have come to expect from Mr. Colfer is on clear display here. Digital artwork by Steve McCarthy is awash with color and action, and uses expressive visual details to bring characters and their story to life.
No comments:
Post a Comment