The Storyteller’s Tale

by Judith Bouilloc

translated from French by Madeline S. White 

You’ve heard the expression “make words come to life”? In The Storyteller’s Tale, the librarian Iliad Livrani can do that. She is so talented that the queen invites her to come to the palace to perform. During this same period, a messenger arrives from the palace with an offer of marriage from Lord Tarlyn. The immediate complication to this generous offer is that there are several gentlemen at court with that name. Which one might he be? Iliad is chaperoned by her fire-breathing Granny Cassandra as they travel to the castle and have many adventures. 

Iliad can create visible words that become images and this talent is useful to the king as he tries to transform his kingdom into a parliamentary monarchy. There is the usual infighting in the court and within the royal family. Magical creatures like a flying bird-deer populate this story. Lovers of literature will find pleasure in the various classical choices Iliad makes for her readings. Lord Tarlyn is a mystery man, and there are difficulties because of his character, abilities, and goals. There are reasons for his secrecy, but they are only gradually revealed.

I enjoyed the fantasy world the author created, especially the magic with words. The various creatures and plants were also interesting. There is a romantic hero and a villain, a mystery and a challenge. Iliad and her sisters are strong women with an equally strong sense of right and wrong. Democratic principles are important to them as are reconciliation and feelings. One of the themes is that character is more important than outward appearance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating: 4/5

Category: Middle Grades, Fantasy, Teens and Young Adult

Notes: All of Iliad’s book choices have footnotes to note the author and explain briefly what the work is about.

Publication: August 21, 2024—Rivka Publishing

Memorable Lines:

“The term snatchwords refers to a person who can make sentences detach themselves from paper by reading them aloud. They internalize each word turning them into moving figures and setting by sheer force of imagination.”

The Livrani women were known to express their feelings with great exuberance. Some might say it was their greatest weapon against ill-fortune.

“What I think is that Balthasar is an aristocrat by birth but a democrat by opinion, and as such, he is likely to change things.”