Thought-provoking but sad
This is a very nice book, with large, expressive black and white sketches on practically every one of its 100 pages. Although there are chapter divisions, the pages aren't numbered - the book could be read at a single sitting, easily within a half hour.
However, although thought-provoking, the story is somewhat disturbing and sad:
1. Anonymous lions and hunters battle it out, either shooting or eating each other.
2. Although he is never caged or mistreated, Lafcadio joins a traveling CIRCUS as a "trick shooter."
3. At first, whenever he is denied what he wants in the city (eg. a haircut, a marshmallow suit), Lafcadio simply growls and gets his way. (Thankfully, he later abandons this unadmirable ploy.)
4. After he becomes rich and famous as a trick shooter, Lafcadio sobs inconsolably and says he's tired of everything. He wants something new.
5. For "something new," Lafcadio returns to the jungle with a hunting group. Once there, he cannot join either side, for he realizes he is no longer a lion and he is not a man.
6. Lafcadio's last words are, "I guess I don't belong anywhere." Alone, he walks away from the two groups, and the narrator never sees or hears from him again.
A redeeming note: As Lafcadio is walking away, the narrator says, "And he really didn't know where he was going, but he did know he was going somewhere, because you really have to go somewhere, don't you? And he didn't really know what was going to happen to him, but he did know that something was going to happen, because something always does, doesn't it?"
I bought this book with the intention of presenting it to my 8-year-old great nephew (and I still may), but I believe the book is intended for an older reader - perhaps an 11- or 12-yr-old, who may be less distressed at the outcome. It may even be a reassuring send-off present for a college freshman who is nervous about leaving home. I'm hoping my 8-yr-old will re-read it when he is a little older and understand the implications. Because it is such a beautifully assembled book, it has a chance of becoming a treasured read. I remain a Shel Silverstein fan.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
