Dragonkeeper

Carole Wilkinson (author)

Black Dog Books, Australia: 2003; 343pp

ISBN: 1876372192

Genres: adventure, fantasy

Issues: friendship, identity, trust, values

CBCA Book of the Year, Younger Readers, 2004.
Aurealis Awards: Best Young Adult Book, 2003
Winner: KOALA (Kids Own Literary Awards) 2006

In an isolated corner of Ancient China, perched on the top of a bare and rocky mountain, is one the emperor's many palaces. Only the three elderly servants, the Imperial Dragonkeeper, and a young slave girl see its empty and neglected beauty.

The Dragonkeeper is lazy, self-indulgent and embittered by his isolation. He leaves the care of the dragons to the small slave girl who regards them as rather useless animals, certainly less friendly than the pigs and her pet rat. It is only when one of the dragons dies that the girl begins to feel their power and significance. She cares more diligently for the remaining dragon and finally helps him escape the cruel imprisonment he has endured. Together they flee the brutal Dragonkeeper, the fierce Imperial troops, and a malevolent dragon hunter. Long Danzi, the dragon, insists that they take with them a mysterious stone, heavy, and beautifully marked that he had hidden in his den. He teaches the girl how to care for it - and herself. Brought up to believe that she is without worth, a no-name person, the slave girl must find the courage, endurance and determination if she is to survive the many dangers she must face if she travels with the dragon - and fulfil her responsibilities towards him and the special stone.

An unusual blend of history and fantasy, this is a novel about life's true journey - the search for self. Although packed with action and adventure, Dragonkeeper is also about finding and developing one's talents, learning self-worth, and the value of trust and friendship. The strong narrative line is enriched by the obscure philosophical comments of the dragon as he seeks to provoke the girl's intelligence and teach her to see the true nature of the world around her. This commentary will appeal to more able readers, who will enjoy the many layers of meaning embedded in each plot development, and find the subtext thought-provoking. The accuracy of the historical context - found in details such as clothing, customs, and the class system of the society - gives the novel a strong sense of realism, despite the fantasy genre. Readers will find it possible to believe that just over two thousand years ago there really were dragons in China and that one of them escaped with the help of an ignorant slave-girl.

Very skilful writing, highly recommended.