I have to be perfectly honest. I didn't expect to like this book. The idea of an overtly Catholic fantasy-adventure story trying to make it's way into the genre dominated by Harry Potter? Well... I skeptically picked up the book and read four or five chapters the night it arrived in the mail. It seemed interesting but things didn't seem to be making much sense yet. I picked it up again the next day and the plot thickened. A few more chapters and I was hooked. At about 10 pm I was planning on putting the book down to get ready for bed (no it didn't take me all day to read it - I do have five children!), but I decided on a quick sandwich first and, naturally, a little more of the story. Suddenly it was 12:30 and I was just finishing up the last chapter. I guess I'd have to give it two thumbs up.
Now for a little of the plot.... Danny Mago is a small, quiet 16 year old who is mercilessly picked on by his schoolmates, but recognized by his teachers as having remarkable artistic abilities. Knowing that his widowed mother is struggling to financially support Danny and his handicapped sister Angela, the deputy headmistress of his school offers him a job helping out on the grounds of the nun's convent and working as artistic assistant to Mother Madeleine, a renowned local artist. In cleaning up and cutting back overgrown portions of the convent grounds, Danny discovers an ancient elevator through which he visits some interesting historical characters. Soon he becomes involved in a contest to plan a backdrop to the altar of the new cathedral and a strange Turkish girl searching for an ancient painting of Our Lord (the Mandylion - rhymes with pavilion, not dandylion). Throw in an ancient Maori cloak and some mysterious trips courtesy of his guardian angel, and the result is a rather enjoyable, occasionally hair-raising, adventure story in a Catholic framework with a New Zealand setting. (There are interesting artistic sub-themes as well.) The author has included a glossary of New Zealand terms and an overview of some of the religious references. My two year old highly enjoys just hearing the words in the glossary which sound very funny to her - aniwaniwa, kohekohe, tiki, etc.
The author has a humorous writing style that should be appealing to modern readers. Leo Madigan, who has also authored a number of books about Fatima, skillfully interweaves a Catholic way of looking at things, but never at the expense of a good story. I especially like the sub-plot concerning Danny's sister Angela, who is seriously disabled. Her relationship with Danny is beautifully portrayed (they communicate with each other using their own system of sign-language, he confides in her during difficult times). Also, unlike a number of stories with crippled heroes who are cured in the end (like If All the Swords in England and The Hidden Treasure of Glaston), Angela's part of the story wraps up happily even though she is not completely cured of her malady. I appreciate this unique angle, especially for those who are dealing with such difficulties every day for the rest of their lives. There wouldn't be much hope for these much-beloved souls if happiness depended on a miraculous physical cure.
I hope you and your children (best for ages 12 and up) enjoy the story as much as I did.
