The Wolving Time

The Wolving Time

Patrick Jennings

I am not embarrassed to say that I'm reviewing another children's book, because sometimes you find little gems like this book. As I'm a sucker for all things werewolf, I snapped this one up right quick. The proprietor of my local bookstore is beginning to sense a theme, as this is not the first werewolf story she's seen me with.

The story itself centers around a shepherd boy, living in France in the late 1500's. His mother and father are both werewolves, though he himself has not reached the age where he will decide whether he wants to live as a werewolf or not. He strikes up an unlikely friendship with a runaway, the servant girl of the local priest. The priest is a cruel man, imprisoning innocent people, forcing them to confess to crimes of witchcraft and pacts with the devil before burning them at the stake in the town square. The boy learns that his family is beset by rumors that they too, are witches. Things come to a head and they must flee the village, though friends are reunited and safety seems all but assured just over the mountains.

What most impressed me about this book was the depth of research the author has done. One is introduced to aspects of life as a sixteenth century shepherd without having facts thrown at you. Jennings also gives a good insight into the mindset of the time, the insular view of the villagers, the institution of the church as a tool of fear and control.

Though better logic tells me that salvation cannot be around the corner for this family, I want them to win. You feel for the characters, and the book leaves you hopeful. It is a children's book, but it's a story about so many things, family, friendship, trust, and growing up.

-A Tasty Little Bite