The Day of the Pelican by Katherine Paterson - Set in late 90's during the Kosovo War. Albanians are being oppressed by Serbs. In the Day of the Pelican, we are introduced to the Lleshis an Albanian family. Though the novel involves the entire family, its Meli Lleshis voice we hear. Its a strong and engaging voice, making this a very enjoyable historical fiction novel. Their life changes forever when Meli's older brother, Mehmet is kidnapped on the way home from school. One day they own a grocery store, the next day they are hiding out in out in the mountains, near the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) As the novel continues the Lleshis situation in Kosovo get more dire. With each change, the author makes the reader free the families desperation and fear. Lleshis and many other Albanian families are forced out of Kosovo. Paterson does an excellent job of explaining the conflict between the Albanians and Serbs. Blending the facts smoothly into the story. 12 yr old Meli and her brother 13 yr old Mehmet are both well drawn characters. I really enjoyed The Day of the Pelican. I need my historical fiction to read like fiction and this novel does exactly that. Ages 10upAnother review @ 3T News and Reviews
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2 comments:
I agree that this was well written and necessary, but it felt very "required reading". I do hope it finds a larger audience.
Lenore- I do see young readers picking this up only because it's required , but I think once many start reading it they'll discover it a pretty good book.
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