The Linnet's Tale

by Dale C. Willard

"Share the romance, drama, and adventure of small-town life among the mice of Tottensea Burrows -- as told by a very entertaining bird In the garden of an English cottage live the lovable, highly... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743224981
• ISBN13: 9780743224987
• Release Date: March 2002
• Publisher: Touchstone Books
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 6.7"

Customer Reviews

Exponentially Exquisite

I'm not quite finished reading this book yet, but it is so fantastic I couldn't wait any longer to write a review for it. The language is whimsical and the voice who tells the story is as developed and unique as any of the other characters. I might compare this book to Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind in the Willows," another favourite. The characters are believable and lovable. This is truly a book for all ages -- young ones will doubtless enjoy the escapades of the mice; I myself (a college freshman) was introduced to this indispensible work of literature by my best friend (now age 15) and her family (the second youngest, age 7, loves it); and I in turn have read bits of it to my mother, who has demanded that I allow her to read it when I am through. If nothing else, the names of the mice are enough to draw one in... my personal favourite it Merchanty Swift. In summary, I would recommend this book to anybody with a taste for a truly marvelous "grown-up" children's story.

Most Delightful!

This is a novel for adults, but it is written in a style that brings back memories of the stories our mothers read us as children. It's FULL of fun little creatures with HUGE vocabularies - I find it fun to read with a British accent! If you want a book that is a stress reliever and a delight to your senses - buy this book. You will laugh at the absurdities of his characters and you'll find your favorites among them. I hope Dale Willard will make The Linnet's Tale the first in a series of many more to come!

Something different!

A charming tale told in a brilliant manner. The author has done something daring and new with his journey to Tottensea Burrows and it's inhabitants of mice. I was riveted to the story from beginning to end, but when I finished my first reading I was compelled to re-read to see if what I thought was true. Yes, it's an allegory with meaning which can speak to everyone, everywhere. Three cheers, Mr. Willard,you've produced a masterpiece in literature. Thanks, thanks, thanks.

A Magical Tale

What a wonderful, charming book - this is the kind of book that is perfect for a rainy afternoon, curled up in a cozy chair with a cup of tea. I literally was able to lose myself in the cozy village of Tottensea Burrows and it's cast of colorful characters. I was especially impressed with the detail with which the author puts into each scene - think Harry Potter - toned way down, but able to cast that same magical spell. I would love a sequel to this wonderful story with a more in-depth study of the characters and how they came to be. If you want to get truly lost for an afternoon in another time and place - this is the book. This book makes a wonderful gift for a special friend - especially if the friend is a true lover of books - what a treat!

Language, Imagery, and Beauty

This is an extraordinary little book. Willard's luxurious and evocative use of language and the extraordinarily vivid ways he uses imagery to create a little world invites comparison to The Wind in the Willows and other classics. This is a story of some mice told by a bird, but it is so very much more. It is a rollicking revel of words, glorious words. It is also an allegory of considerable depth. Anyone who loves the English language or who looks for depth in simple little tales will be delighted. I devoured this and all of the friends on whom I've urged it have returned it to me with eyes shining and great enthusiasm. It looks like a child's book, but is really meant for adults. While a 12 year-old could read it and would delight in it, it poses some challenges re vocabulary.