Mattimeo

Reading Mattimeo is not only a return to my childhood, but also a return to familiar characters we had met in book one, Redwall. Slagar the Fox is focused on seeking retribution against the Abbey residents and claims they are responsible for his suffering; however, his true identity remains uncertain.  When I first heard the beginning of Mattimeo at age ten, I was sitting with the author and my dad; Slagar was introduced in the story as a villainous character.  I stayed up with my dad, long after I was supposed to be asleep, clutching my bear and hoping Slagar would be caught.As an adult, I of course know the story and know exactly who Slagar is, and I hate him but also found myself feeling very briefly sorry for him. I find it incredible that Brian Jacques could write about child trafficking in such a manner that not only showed us how dark Slagar was but that it didn’t even register when I first read it. I have to admire how Brian Jacques not only gives us a story that has the reader experiencing a plethora of emotions but also how he recognised that children were capable of reading these big books (Mattimeo is 446 pages). I thought it was interesting with this story that despite the book being called Mattimeo? The focal point of his story is primarily on Matthias and some familiar friends having to rescue Mattimeo and some of his friends Slagar has snatched. There are ups and downs, and Jacques does give us some comedic relief, and I could hear his own humour in the characters who made me laugh despite the darkness of the story. (I really do feel lucky that I got to know the late Brian Jacques - he was a wonderful larger than life man.) What also stands out to me in all Redwall novels is the fact that Jacques has characters die and that was a rare thing in the late 80s/early 90s children’s literature and Mattimeo is no exception in this understanding that sheltering children from grief isn’t necessarily a good thing. Reading about the loss experienced by a young vole when Slagar abducts the children of Redwall was particularly poignant for me, especially as I had recently attended my dad's funeral. I would like to advise readers that, regardless of age? That part of this storyline will affect you more and that It’s likely that Mattimeo may make you cry more than the previous two in the series.Brian Jacques’s world-building in Mattimeo is, once again, both remarkable and deeply immersive for readers. The familiar landscapes of Redwall and Mossflower serve as a comforting starting point, but as the story unfolds, we journey beyond the boundaries of the woodland. Under the guidance of Slagar and his band of villainous animals, the imprisoned creatures are led towards a mysterious destination. This progression allows readers to experience the beauty of familiar surroundings while simultaneously encountering new and changing landscapes. The narrative draws the reader into the adventure, mirroring the journey of the young characters and heightening the sense of exploration and discovery.In addition to the captivating world-building, Jacques’s writing style in Mattimeo incorporates multiple storylines running parallel to one another. The story follows Mattimeo and his friends as they endure the cruelty of Slagar, providing insight into their struggles and resilience. There are also glimpses into the lives of the antagonists, offering a more nuanced perspective on the challenges faced by the young captives. Simultaneously, the narrative tracks Matthias, alongside other parents and loyal companions, as they embark on a determined rescue mission.As the book progresses, attention shifts to Redwall Abbey and the many woodland animals who work to support Matthias. These characters find themselves confronted by trouble within the Abbey, adding further tension and complexity to the story. Despite the presence of three distinct story arcs which could easily become overwhelming in a children’s novel? Jacques manages the transitions between these threads with skill. Even when switching between storylines within a single chapter, the narrative remains one you can follow but keeps you on your toes over what may happen next and to whom.I love these stories, and I think Mattimeo stands out because of how much does throughout the book. I laughed and cried, and loved the twists and turns throughout the story. I fully understand as always, who the series has stood the test of time.