In the aftermath of the terrible conflict (in Book of the Dun Cow) with the dreaded Wyrm, Chauntecleer, Pertelote, and the other inhabitants of the Coop try to piece together their shattered lives until the Wyrm once again insinuates himself with dire consequences for all.
Note that Wangerin later revised this [very depressing!] book (later title Second Book of Dun Cow: Lamentations) to make a third volume, called Third Book of the Dun Cow: Peace at the Last, possible. While I appreciate the purpose, unfortunately the rewrites were far less appealing than the originals.
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This eagerly awaited conclusion to the national bestseller The Book of the Dun Cow, winner of the American Book Award, is a book that stands on its own as a powerful work of literature.
In this absorbing, highly original fantasy, Chauntecleer, Pertelote, and the other familiar characters of the Coop struggle to piece together their shattered lives in the aftermath of the terrible conflict with the dreaded Wyrm. But their respite is short-lived: into this struggling community Wyrm once again insinuates himself, with dire consequences for all. The reappearance of the dog Mundo Cani unveils a darker mystery yet, and the threat of a final horror when evil yields up its most devastating secrets.
The Book of Sorrows is a taut and spellbinding tale, told by a master storyteller, that immerses readers in a variety of adventures heroic, humorous, and touching—moving inexorably toward the final confrontation that decides the fate of the characters and their world.
No one who reads it will remain unmoved. It explores not only the value and goodness of existence, but the darker side of reality that tempts us "to our own grievous hurt, to the pain of others, to the destruction, even, of life around us." Yet even as dark clouds of devastation gather, flashes of love, kindness, courage, and hope illumine the narrative and hint at the good which can transform even "this troublous existence." The Book of Sorrows is a fast-paced fantasy filled with richly drawn characters and gripping excitement set against a colorful, fully realized world. At the same time, it offers a depth of meaning that will draw readers back again and again to ponder the images long after the final battle is waged between the forces of death and life.
Walter Wangerin, Jr., was born in Portland, Oregon. He received a master's degree in English and did graduate studies in medieval English literature at Miami University of Ohio; he also received a master of divinity degree from Christ Seminary Seminex. He has been a radio announcer/producer in St. Louis, has taught at several universities, and has traveled and worked with migrant farm workers. He now lives with his family in Evansville, Indiana.
Mr. Wangerin's previous books include his award-winning The Book of the Dun Cow and Ragman, which grew, in part, out of his experience as pastor of a small inner-city congregation.
Jacket design: Design Office Peter Martin
Jacket illustration: Jaclyne Scardova
—from the dust jacket
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