The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill

 

What worked:

The author says she needed a way to heal her soul after the nastiness and cruelty that grew from a recent presidency. This book tells the story of how simple acts of kindness can spread, as others pass good feelings on to their neighbors. However, in order to share that lesson, the author needs to create a problem of meanness and prejudice. Young readers might not notice references to actual events, but many of the awful comments from characters are eerily disturbing. It’s hard to imagine formerly kind neighbors treating each other with suspicion and selfishness, and it’s all caused by the efforts of one character.

The author helps readers empathize with the Ogress, as she’s a wonderfully kind creature. She loves helping others anonymously, out of the kindness of her heart, so the villagers of Stone-in-the-Glen are unaware of her generosity. She constantly tells herself, “The more I give, the more I have.” She takes a special interest in the orphans, as they suffer from the lack of community support. The Ogress brings them extra food and steps in to help when other problems arise. The orphans receive strange dreams about what’s actually happening in the village, but it’s hard to trust thoughts that arise from touching books, wood, and stone. It’s fitting to note the characters’ realization that many solutions to problems can be found in books.

The author’s voice is descriptive and philosophical, and it’s shared in the manner of a storyteller. An interview with the author reveals this book began as a shorter fairy tale, but it developed a life of its own and became a novel. The whole tale sounds like the narrator is speaking directly to readers, and there are hints that the narrator is one of the characters. It’s fun to consider comments and evidence throughout the book and imagine the narrator’s identity. The narrator is omniscient at is aware of all events and thoughts. Readers are able to contrast the mayor’s greedy thoughts, words, and actions and contrast them the ogress’s benevolence toward animals, plants, and the villagers.

The final verdict:

How can good people be cruel to others? It’s refreshing to see the kindness of the Ogress, and the perseverance of the orphans defeat the discord created by the mayor. I can’t think of any negatives about this book, and readers of all ages will love it.