Family Book Club Year in Review: "Mimus" by Lilli Thal
by Tess
On Monday, Dec. 28 at 5p.m., Family Book Club will be meeting to discuss our favorite book(s) from this year! Each Monday of December I will be posting a short book recommendation for four of my favorite novels that I read in 2020.
"Mimus" by Lilli Thal
Originally written in German and translated to English by John Brownjohn, this a fantasy novel set in a fictional country with a medieval time period setting. King Philip and King Theodo have been at war for years yet peace looks within reach. King Philip agrees to a meeting with King Theodo to sign a peace treaty. King Philip's son, Prince Florin, follows a few days behind his father. Yet, they are betrayed. Upon reaching King Theodo's court, Prince Florin sees his father in chains and he himself is forced to become the jester's apprentice.
Mimus, the jester, must entertain King Theodo with witty jokes, songs, and acrobatics. Reluctantly he takes Prince Florin in and, just as reluctantly, Florin learns the jester's tricks. Throughout the story, Prince Florin, who is now reduced to a slave, must try to find a way to escape with his father and seek revenge on the evil King Theodo. He also forms an interesting relationship with Mimus, his jester master.
This is one of my favorite children's books of all time and I re-read it this year. I know I will read it again in the future! It is well-written, dark, humorous, and readers will eagerly read to find out what happens to Prince Florin, his father, and Mimus.
Parts of the story are unpleasant as Prince Florin and King Philip are not treated well. It is also suspenseful in places. I recommend for ages 9+.
Order a copy of "Mimus" by Lilli Thal through Prospector with your Aurora Public Library card.
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