"The Hero and the Crown" by Robin McKinley

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Read: 4/6/09

4/5 stars

Aerin is a king's daughter, albeit an outcast since her mother was a commoner and an outsider of Damar, their beloved kingdom. Moreover, her mother was believed to be a witch who died out of despair at not being able to provide the king with a male heir. On top of that, Aerin does not have the Gift, a particular brand of magic, common to all members of royalty.

Though Aerin struggles with her confusing background, compounded by shallow and vindictive relatives, she finds her own niche by teaching herself to fight and overcome dragons, small nuisances in her world. Her valor is further tested, however, when a great dragon awakens. The awakening of the dragon is but a portent of the evil that Aerin has yet to face in order to realize who and what she really is.

It's hard to come up with a summary of this book as there were many things that happened. Perhaps the difficulty is compounded by the idea of double destinies featured in this book. Aerin has one life in her castle, but when she goes on her quest, discovers that there is more to her than what she or those closest to her know. Now, I admit this is usual fantasy fare. But the way in which Aerin chooses to focus only on one of her destinies, depending on which is needed, is what I found refreshing.

At a certain point, Aerin learns that she does have power and her destiny is greater than what her kingdom possibly knows. But she does not speak about her successes in one quest, simply because she decides it is not relevant to anyone else but her. I find this kind of humility admirable in a character. She is able to dichotomize her life and her concerns, while making both lives work.

Now, you might be thinking that dichotomy isn't ideal. True, though I believe that McKinley has given us a character who, given two distinct responsibilities, has shown us how she handled both with grace and maturity. Thus, I liked the book not so much for its plot, but for the conflict that Aerin faced and the character of Aerin herself.

Lastly, for a Newbery award winner, I found this book surprisingly mature in its themes and treatment. I'm strangely glad.

Comments

Blodeuedd said…
I like it :)
I will look for this book
April 13, 2009 at 4:47 PM
fantaghiro23 said…
Glad you will. It's a great book for girls, I think.
April 18, 2009 at 11:05 AM
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