Adam Gidwitz (author of the Grimm series) retells the story of
The Empire Strikes Back. Gidwitz likens Star Wars to fairy tales in that
it takes old stories and makes them new again. He also believes the
hero of a fairy tale is “empty” so that the reader can more readily put
themselves in the hero’s place. This is why, according to Gidwitz, Luke
Skywalker is perceived as bland when compared to someone like Han Solo.
Gidwitz thus places the reader in Luke’s place by referring to Luke as
“You” and giving the reader insight into Luke’s thoughts and feelings.
The other characters are presented in traditional storytelling manner.
Interspersed throughout the story are “Jedi lessons”: basic breathing
and meditation exercises along with stories and instruction about
viewing the world as a Jedi. It is an interesting and unique way to
retell the story. Gidwitz does a pretty god job in carrying it off.
However, it does come across as clunky at times and sometimes prevents
the story from flowing as well as it could. Overall, it is a good book
and worth the time of any Star Wars fans. Younger readers will get the
most out of it as will older fans with a sense of humor and willing to
read a different style of Star Wars story.
[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try
The Princess, the Scoundrel and the Farm Boy, by Alexandra Bracken or
Beware the Power of the Dark Side!, by Tom Angleberger]
[ official
StarWars.com web site ] | [ official
Adam Gidwitz web site ]
Recommended by
Corey G. Gere Branch Library
Have you read this? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?
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