Plot: A little mouse with open eyes and huge ears is born to a family of mice living in a castle. While his family believes he represents the worst example of mousedom, he seems strangely content. However, when he commits the unforgivable sin of consorting with humans, particularly a princess known as Pea, he his condemned to death. As he is lead to the dungeon, he steps into a larger story. Pea's mother died six months earlier when a rat fell into her soup. The rat, known Chiaroscuro, becomes warped by the tragedy and vows revenge. His plans seem destined for success when an abused and gullible servant known as Mig expresses her longing to take the place of the princess. Despereaux must face his fears, his sorrows, his darkness, and his hate to save Pea.
Genre: Animals, Fantasy
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Similar Titles: Because of Winn-Dixie, Charlotte's Web
Personal Thoughts: I was really surprised by how much I liked this book, particularly in light of its dark nature. People are abused, forgotten, ignored, and hated in the novel. Yet, I actually liked it more than Because of Winn-Dixie, another title by DiCamillo noted for its lighter subjects. I think I like the book more because it taps on a very unpopular but very necessary subject: forgiveness. Despereaux and Pea can only survive unscathed if they forgive the people (or rodents) that hurt them. The offenders cannot do anything to earn the forgiveness. Yet, if they could, would they need to be forgiven? However, refusing to forgive the terrible wrongs will only warp the hero and heroine. Forgiving may be hard, but it is the only way to really survive.
I think that truth is the one that struck me the most, since most books do not mention it. Forgiveness does not make as good a story as a quest for revenge. Yet, like the mouse and the princess, I need the capacity to forgive. To look past the flaws and see the hurt, warped, broken person behind the action. In many ways, this conclusion is revolutionary. No group agrees universally with a revolution, but it still comes when things need to change.
As a side note, the book provided the basis for a movie in 2008. It did not do well.
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