Rach's Reading Club

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

The Tale of Despereaux tells the story of Despereaux Tilling, a very small castle mouse who believes in happy endings and whose destiny is to overcome the darkness that all castle mice fear.

The beginning of the book is simple, charming, and poetically written as it follows Despereaux's story. Then it delves into two other characters' stories: the first one being of a conflicted rat named Chiaroscuro; the other one an unfortunate common girl. Each of these stories intersect and ultimately weave together. While the language remains poetic throughout the book, the tone takes a slightly darker turn with the other two characters.

I love the beginning of the story focused on Despereaux Tilling, and I enjoyed Kate DiCamillo's writing style throughout the book. I did, however, feel that the storytelling from Chiaroscuro's story onward -- especially the climax and resolution -- was a bit contrived. I was also a just a little disappointed by how dark the story became; compared to my expectations based upon the cover, the beginning, and the synopsis at the back of the book; once we moved away from Despereaux's viewpoint. I was glad to be recalled to the light alongside Despereaux, when the story finished.

These are rather small and personal complaints, however. I can definitely see, in the craft and diction of The Tale of Despereaux, why this book has received its awards and why it continues to be read by readers of all ages. This is a high quality read that gives very similar feelings as many other fairy tales tend to give.