Pearls of Lutra: A Novel of Redwall

[itsnotmymind]

 

Recently, as an adult, I re-read a book I enjoyed as a child: Brian's Jacques Pearls of Lutra, one of the Redwall books.

 

*Some spoilerly thoughts*
 

It's interesting how making your heroes and villains of different species simplifies encounters between strangers. They're shrews! They are good guys! Instant trust. And yet the book does let two "vermin" characters achieve some redemption.

 

When I read these books as a child, I never asked myself, "What the narrative purpose does this death serve"? Characters died because they died. Piknim's death broke my heart, but I would never have thought to ask myself why Mr. Jacques killed her. I didn't see her death as part of any deliberate plan.

 

As an adult, I do find myself asking that question, and answering it to my satisfaction. Tansy needs to have someone she personally cares about to die because of the pearls - it can't be just theoretical to her. Otherwise her decision to throw away the pearls lacks weight.