Duncton Wood (The Duncton Chronicles)

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Customer reviews

review by: cluricaune date: 2008-02-29 rating:
The Stone Mole and the Book of Silence
Duncton Wood is home to one of the seven great systems of the mole world. Many years before the book opens, the system was based at the highest point of the wood, in the shadows of the wood's standing Stone. The Stone was of vital importance at the time, with the system's religious beliefs centred on it. However, in time, the system slowly migrated down the hill - to the point where, now, nomole now lives in the Ancient System. Traditionally, the system's moles travel up the slopes to pray to the Stone on the Longest and Shortest Nights, though few now hold the Stone in any real regard.

Within the modern system, there are a few different districts - each with its own distinct personality. The Westside is home to the biggest, strongest moles while the moles who live on the Eastside are less aggressive, though stockier and better burrowers. The Marshenders, somewhat unfairly, are considered a suspicious, untrustworthy and unhealthy grouping - though the damp soil doesn't make it an ideal area for the average mole. Where the Stone was the natural centre of the Ancient System, Barrow Vale is considered the centre of the modern system. Close to the Elder Burrows, it's free from predators and is considered `neutral' territory.

Life takes a turn for the worse when Mandrake arrives. Originally from Siabod, he arrives from over the Pastures and makes straight for Barrow Vale. Big, strong and vicious, he kills any mole that stands in his way and - when he disposes of one of the Elders - quickly appoints himself as the replacement. Having effectively installed himself as Duncton Wood's leader, the mood of the system becomes a becomes tinged with fear and suspicion. Mandrake more or less operates a system of `divide and conquer' - any contact between the system's different wings is discouraged and movement to the surface is restricted. While some of the elders pledge their support - most notably the malignant, poisonous Rune and the aggressive bully Burrhead - Mandrake doesn't receive full support from the Elders. The ban on the Midsummer and Midwinter pilgrimages to the Stone meets with open opposition from Hulver - an aged mole who is very loyal to the old traditions. Mandrake's constant attacks on the Marshenders, on the other hand, leaves Mekkins unsettled - although he proves to be a little more circumspect than Hulver, he later has a significant role to play.

Things aren't entirely hopeless, though - two moles emerge who may be capable of restoring some light to the system. However, it's maybe a little surprising which two moles provide the hope. One is Bracken, the son of Burrhead. Although physically a little weak, Bracken proves to be not only brave and intelligent, but also a natural explorer - and, from his earliest days, has a great deal of curiosity about the Ancient System. When he eventually leaves the home burrow, he naturally makes his way up the slopes towards the Stone - where he meets Hulver for the first time. Hulver teaches him a great deal about the Stone, the Ancient System and the Holy Burrows at Uffington. The other mole to bring some hope is Rebecca - amazingly, she is Mandrake's favourite daughter. Initially, she isn't entirely popular - many resent her honoured position, and there are those who suffer at Mandrake's claws to make her life a little easier. However, in time, her kindness, patience and love win over all who meet her. Naturally, the pair can't make it alone - and they receive a great deal of help from others - most notably Hulver, Mekkins, Rose the Healer and Boswell, a Scribemole from Uffington.

While the comparison with "Watership Down" is maybe a little obvious, it's certainly a worthwhile comparison - there are certain similarities between some of the characters. Mandrake and General Woundwort have quite a bit in common - as do Comfrey and Fiver, Stonecrop and Bigwig while there's possibly even a touch of both Hazel and Fiver about Bracken. Although a pretty long book, it is an easily read and enjoyable book at the same time.

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review by: norbert date: 2007-04-07 rating:
un-believable book
This book is amazing im 17 and read this book about a year ago followed by the other two in the series. I have never read anything like it,the character details and whole complexity of emotions are simply mind blowing and after reading this book you will see the world in a different light and appreciate the little things in life that you may have taken for granted before reading this book. I think William Horwood is a brilliant writer and deserves lots of awards haha.

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review by: date: 2007-01-17 rating:
A life changing book
I read the original Duncton wood when it came out and the subsequent books as they came out.

Nothing can prepare you for the depth, complexity, and pure emotional attachment of these books. Ok, for some people the characters being moles may be offputting .. I know that when ever I enthuse to friend about this series their eyes glaze over when I get to that part. But dont be put off, these are very deep, emotional and spiritual books about love, obsession, corruption and community. When you have read these, books about Hobbits and Goblins will seem silly and shallow!

William Horwoods style is quite unique, I have never read any other book where you are never quite sure whether a character you have started to really relate to and enjoy, will suddenly meet a grizzley end.

Horwood also has the ability to create some of the most evil characters ever imaginable... for those of you know .. Mandrake!! and yet you understood why they had become how they were, and felt sympathy and understanding for them ... a unique talent.

I would say that these are not for children, I read the first at 15, which is about right.

These books have a rare beauty and special quality about them that cannot be put into words ... if you want a quick read to get you into Horwood, buy his biography ' the boy with no shoes ' this documents his austere, troubled childhood and illustrates his relationships with various people, his mother ( shades of Mandrake!!) Grandmother (love of life and caring nature) Mr Bubbles ( at one with nature ).. it is very remaniscent of the style of Duncton and obviously a factor in its existence

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review by: kiniki2004 date: 2006-12-04 rating:
One of the best series of books I have ever read.
I have never read another book like it.

Seriously, I am a reader, I read everything I can get my hands on. Nothing is as magical as this book and the ones that follow.

If I could compare it to anything else, it would have to be Lord Of The Rings - don't get me wrong, there are no goblins, elfs, dwarfs or wizards. But in the sheer scope its similar. In fact its bigger, the Duncton books are truly epic.

It's a book about moles.. Ok, so when it was recommended to me I thought.. 'Moles?!?! why on earth would I want to read that!?'. However under the unrelenting pressure of my mother to read this book, I gave in. I'm glad I did. Firstly this is not a book for children! Murder, rape and incest are some of the themes and the books are pretty gory at times.

This is not a book for the impatient. It's long.. and the books get longer. But if you are the type of person who can stick with a book you will find your reward.

It will make you laugh out loud and it will make you cry. You will paint the landscapes and characters in your head. Once the book has got hold of you, you won't be able to let it go.

...And when you get to the final conclusion and have turned the last page you will want more.

I cannot rate this book highly enough. I'm happy to say that if I could only ever read one set of books again for the rest of my life, it would be the Duncton books.. If you can find a copy.. buy it!


review by: godspeed_rach date: 2005-05-30 rating:
oh my!
this book is simply one of the most astounding books of all time and should be praised as much as Tolkien and philip pullman. this is a book about the very forces of life itself, love, fear, passion and survival. Although this book is about moles and their salvation through darkened days, there seems to be similarities to our modern lives with the couruptness of the people in power and how all the beauty in the world is being destroyed. This book reminds you just how beautiful life really is.

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