Genres
Collection
Description
In seventeenth-century Germany, a boy desperately wants to escape from a school for Black Magic where he is held captive by demonic forces.
Publication
NYR Children's Collection (2014), 264 pages
User reviews
LibraryThing member Tinwara
As a child I once borrowed this book from the library, and I have never forgotten how creepy it was. We're talking about a quarter of a century in which this feeling always remained with me. Not bad for a children's book.
In the opportunity to read it again, this time in it's original version,
What remains is a very well built up fairytale like story, about a boy who becomes an apprentice at a mill, that isn't just a mill, but also a school of black magic. Initially attracted to the opportunities black magic creates, in the course of time the boy starts to see the bitter costs of these opportunities and starts his struggle to defeat his black master.
The story is set in the 17th century, in what is now the far east of Germany. Apparently ( I happen to have bought the educational edition) this story is based on old fairytales that circulated in this region, about the sorcerer's apprentice Krabat. An original version of the story is included in my edition. However, Preussler has made a multidimensional novel out of a rather one dimensional fairytale, exploring the grief that comes with losing loved ones, first love, friendship, and the frail borderline between good and evil.
Very much recommended.
In the opportunity to read it again, this time in it's original version,
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having grown a little older, and having read many many books in the mean time, I must admit that this time it didn't give me the creeps anymore. However I can imagine that it will to children. What remains is a very well built up fairytale like story, about a boy who becomes an apprentice at a mill, that isn't just a mill, but also a school of black magic. Initially attracted to the opportunities black magic creates, in the course of time the boy starts to see the bitter costs of these opportunities and starts his struggle to defeat his black master.
The story is set in the 17th century, in what is now the far east of Germany. Apparently ( I happen to have bought the educational edition) this story is based on old fairytales that circulated in this region, about the sorcerer's apprentice Krabat. An original version of the story is included in my edition. However, Preussler has made a multidimensional novel out of a rather one dimensional fairytale, exploring the grief that comes with losing loved ones, first love, friendship, and the frail borderline between good and evil.
Very much recommended.
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LibraryThing member bilbette
Creepy. I remember this from when I was a kid. I'm not real good with horror, but this was one that even as a young kid I managed to handle. It still brings back vivid images when I think of mills.
LibraryThing member kenzen
I read this in a few hours when I was 12 or so and the rating if five stars is how I remember feeling after reading it. I don't think it would hold up on a re-read. But back then I got really into the book and I think for that age group it still can be a great book.
LibraryThing member imyknott
This is a story of a young beggar boy who leaves his life on the streets to find a mysterious mill. When he gets there he is taken in by the mill Master who teaches him and the other children already there, magic in return for the work they carry out during the year. This was a quaint story with a
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reasonably happy ending. Show Less
LibraryThing member LynnMPK
I read this when I was a kid and didn't remember anything about it besides the title. This is a retelling of a German folktale about a miller who teaches his apprentices magic. I didn't find the miller terribly evil, even though you're obviously supposed to believe he is. Overall, it's a good story
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with a 'love conquers all' moral. Show Less
Awards
Gouden Griffel (Zilveren — 1973)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1971
Physical description
264 p.; 5.81 inches
ISBN
1590177789 / 9781590177785