Call number
Series
Genres
Publication
Roc Trade (1994), Paperback
Pages
346
Description
With Innkeeper's Song, Beagle has created a world of magic & mystery in which the impossible happens & the familiar fantasy device of quest & doom is given a new twist. Previous novels by Beagle include The Last Unicorn & A Fine & Private Place.
Awards
Mythopoeic Awards (Finalist — Adult Literature — 1994)
Locus Award (Finalist — Fantasy Novel — 1994)
World Fantasy Award (Nominee — Novel — 1994)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1993
Physical description
346 p.; 7.9 inches
ISBN
0451454146 / 9780451454140
UPC
099769011006
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User reviews
LibraryThing member stubbyfingers
I read Peter S. Beagle's most highly regarded novel, The Last Unicorn, about ten years ago and I really didn't like it, so I didn't expect to like this much either. It turns out I was wrong. This book is a lot of fun! In a low-tech setting where magic isn't the norm but isn't uncommon either, this
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is the story of a battle between a good wizard and his gone-bad disciple (Obi Wan versus Darth Vader...only different...), but the wizards aren't the main characters. Instead the main characters are a pair of the good wizard's other students, a young man and his dead fiancée, a shapechanging fox, and an innkeeper and his stable boy--all thrown together under one roof and each with problems of his own to worry about. This story is full of twists, turns, surprises, and action and was in itself very entertaining, but what I liked most about it was the writing style. Each chapter is told in the voice of a different character, telling the story directly to the reader and picking up the action where the previous one left off, only from a different point of view and with a different focus, and sometimes slightly contradictory. My favorite narrator was the fox! I definitely enjoyed this book and I'd recommend it to anybody in the mood for a quick, fun fantasy. Show Less
LibraryThing member twilightnocturne
“The Innkeeper’s Song,” written by Peter S. Beagle, author of the enchanting “The Last Unicorn,” is a tale of love, loss, and adventure. The novel begins with a tragedy that strikes a young man named Tikat and his love Lukassa. After an unfortunate incident of falling into the river,
In truth, I was really excited upon ordering “The Innkeeper’s Song,” Not only did the description of the book completely grab my interest, but it was by Peter S. Beagle...author of “The Last Unicorn.” Being fairly impressed by The Last Unicorn, I couldn’t wait to jump in and read this -- especially after the vast majority of positive reviews it had received. Unfortunately however, after reaching the end of this 340 or so page novel, I can’t say that I was as impressed as I had hoped to be -- as I had a lot of issues with it -- ranging from story progression, to character development, and beyond. Along with that, no matter how much I wanted to feel and connect with this novel, I just couldn’t.
The biggest issue for me here, was the story. While the idea of the plot was certainly interesting -- the resurrection of a loved one -- a desperate search to find her and win her back, to resume the life this young couple once had -- I couldn’t help but feel that the execution of the story was a bit of a mess. There was so much going on -- so many different events, that I never really felt like I knew what the story was really about. Was it about Tikat, and his journey to find his love? Was it about the two women that found and resurrected Lukassa? Was it a battle between two wizards (that was a part of the story)? Was it about the Gash and Slasher Inn, where these people’s lives intertwine? Was it about the Innkeeper and his stableboy Rosseth -- a boy with a tragic past of his own? I honestly wasn’t sure, as I felt that the story never really had a solid direction -- for it did far too much meandering from one thing to the next.
Aside from the aimless wandering of the plot, I also had issues with the characters. The main issue being, I simply couldn’t connect with most of them -- and the ones that I did, really didn’t have very large roles. Written in a multiple point of view fashion, “The Inn Keeper’s Song” follows the momentary lives of several characters...Lukassa, Lal, Nyatenari, Tikat, Rosseth (A stable boy), a Fox, The Innkeeper, and others. While each of these characters surely had potential, the fact is that the multiple point of view -- different character different chapter type of style just did not work for me here. I felt as though there were too many characters doing separate things..and while there are a handful of chapters for each of them, it was like I never REALLY got to know or understand them. It was simply all over the place -- a little here, a little there, but never enough..
With that said, while I did find the multiple point of view style to be distracting, and the majority of the characters underdeveloped, I still had a few favorites that drew me in. Unfortunately however, they were more “side-line” characters that really didn't have a lot of involvement -- at least, not as much as the three women. Those would be the stable boy Rosseth, The Innkeeper, and Tikat. Lukassa also grew on me as the novel progressed, but I still felt that I didn’t get enough from her as a character. None-the-less, I will say that despite the character flaws, the development for Rosseth and the Innkeeper was excellent, and by the end of the novel, I felt far more for them than any of the others -- even though their impact on the story itself was quite small. Strangely, I would have found more enjoyment in this story if it had focused more on them rather than anyone else.
All in all, I found “The Innkeeper’s Song” to be a novel with a lot of potential -- yet always falling short. From the wandering story, to the lack of direction -- to the underdeveloped characters, I found myself wanting more but never getting it. There were so many times -- especially in the middle -- where things just dragged on and on..and I kept thinking, “should I really continue?”. In the end however, I did, and as it progressed towards the conclusion, some things came together, and there was an improvement. Infact, there were a few chapters near the end that totally had me, but that doesn’t make up for the rest of it. Despite this.. I can’t honestly say “don’t read this!” because if you look at the reviews on Amazon, clearly others have found enjoyment in "The Innkeeper's Song.". I can say, however, that I was immensely disappointed, and after reading the magically beautiful, “The Last Unicorn,” I simply expected more.
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Lukassa is quickly swept away with the current; lost within the riverbed. After a desperate search, it is soon determined that Lukassa -- the love of Tikat’s life -- has drowned. Shattered and completely distraught by this terrible tragedy, Tikat has given up -- for there is simply nothing left to live for. However, all that changes when something strange happens -- something beyond words. Just when all is lost, a strange woman approaches the riverbed, and in a mere moment, pulls Lukassa from the river, resurrecting her. As soon as it occurs, they are gone -- leaving poor Tikat behind -- confused and alone. This then begins the adventure, as Tikat follows them on a long and desperate journey, hoping to reunite with his true love once more. In truth, I was really excited upon ordering “The Innkeeper’s Song,” Not only did the description of the book completely grab my interest, but it was by Peter S. Beagle...author of “The Last Unicorn.” Being fairly impressed by The Last Unicorn, I couldn’t wait to jump in and read this -- especially after the vast majority of positive reviews it had received. Unfortunately however, after reaching the end of this 340 or so page novel, I can’t say that I was as impressed as I had hoped to be -- as I had a lot of issues with it -- ranging from story progression, to character development, and beyond. Along with that, no matter how much I wanted to feel and connect with this novel, I just couldn’t.
The biggest issue for me here, was the story. While the idea of the plot was certainly interesting -- the resurrection of a loved one -- a desperate search to find her and win her back, to resume the life this young couple once had -- I couldn’t help but feel that the execution of the story was a bit of a mess. There was so much going on -- so many different events, that I never really felt like I knew what the story was really about. Was it about Tikat, and his journey to find his love? Was it about the two women that found and resurrected Lukassa? Was it a battle between two wizards (that was a part of the story)? Was it about the Gash and Slasher Inn, where these people’s lives intertwine? Was it about the Innkeeper and his stableboy Rosseth -- a boy with a tragic past of his own? I honestly wasn’t sure, as I felt that the story never really had a solid direction -- for it did far too much meandering from one thing to the next.
Aside from the aimless wandering of the plot, I also had issues with the characters. The main issue being, I simply couldn’t connect with most of them -- and the ones that I did, really didn’t have very large roles. Written in a multiple point of view fashion, “The Inn Keeper’s Song” follows the momentary lives of several characters...Lukassa, Lal, Nyatenari, Tikat, Rosseth (A stable boy), a Fox, The Innkeeper, and others. While each of these characters surely had potential, the fact is that the multiple point of view -- different character different chapter type of style just did not work for me here. I felt as though there were too many characters doing separate things..and while there are a handful of chapters for each of them, it was like I never REALLY got to know or understand them. It was simply all over the place -- a little here, a little there, but never enough..
With that said, while I did find the multiple point of view style to be distracting, and the majority of the characters underdeveloped, I still had a few favorites that drew me in. Unfortunately however, they were more “side-line” characters that really didn't have a lot of involvement -- at least, not as much as the three women. Those would be the stable boy Rosseth, The Innkeeper, and Tikat. Lukassa also grew on me as the novel progressed, but I still felt that I didn’t get enough from her as a character. None-the-less, I will say that despite the character flaws, the development for Rosseth and the Innkeeper was excellent, and by the end of the novel, I felt far more for them than any of the others -- even though their impact on the story itself was quite small. Strangely, I would have found more enjoyment in this story if it had focused more on them rather than anyone else.
All in all, I found “The Innkeeper’s Song” to be a novel with a lot of potential -- yet always falling short. From the wandering story, to the lack of direction -- to the underdeveloped characters, I found myself wanting more but never getting it. There were so many times -- especially in the middle -- where things just dragged on and on..and I kept thinking, “should I really continue?”. In the end however, I did, and as it progressed towards the conclusion, some things came together, and there was an improvement. Infact, there were a few chapters near the end that totally had me, but that doesn’t make up for the rest of it. Despite this.. I can’t honestly say “don’t read this!” because if you look at the reviews on Amazon, clearly others have found enjoyment in "The Innkeeper's Song.". I can say, however, that I was immensely disappointed, and after reading the magically beautiful, “The Last Unicorn,” I simply expected more.
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LibraryThing member turpinhero
I enjoyed this book, as I enjoy all Peter S. Beagle's books. Probably should have thought long and hard before reccomending this to an older gentleman who borrows books from my library...I'd forgotten about the, er, romp. Many blushes due to my lack of forethought. Heh.
LibraryThing member AltheaAnn
Like several million people, I read 'The Last Unicorn' when it was the big thing (probably around when the movie came out; not when it was first published - I'm not THAT old) - still, it was years ago, I don't remember it that clearly, but it just didn't really strike me for whatever reason. Since
I got this book after reading Beagle's short story 'Chandail' in the anthology 'Salon Fantastique,' and loving it. I was delighted to learn there was more set in the same world.
One of the main characters in this is the woman in 'Chandail' and it was wonderful to learn a bit more of her background and history.
As a novel, on its own - there is absolutely nothing wrong with this book at all. I have no criticism. It does what the best fantasy does: creates a story of real people, real emotions, believable conflict and drama - while tying it in to myth and mythology, using symbolism and classic tropes to tell something entirely new. I'm impressed - and will be seeking out more of Beagle's work.
Three women ride into town... the dark warrior Lal, the nut-brown Nyateneri, cloaked in religious robes, and the pale and resurrected Lukassa. They are pursued by a lover, and they are pursued by assassins. In turn, they pursue a lost friend; and a powerful wizard. The inn where they take rooms will never be the same... and especially, life will never be the same for the innkeeper's boy, Rosseth.
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then, Beagle's writing hasn't really been on my radar - but I'm going to have to change that.I got this book after reading Beagle's short story 'Chandail' in the anthology 'Salon Fantastique,' and loving it. I was delighted to learn there was more set in the same world.
One of the main characters in this is the woman in 'Chandail' and it was wonderful to learn a bit more of her background and history.
As a novel, on its own - there is absolutely nothing wrong with this book at all. I have no criticism. It does what the best fantasy does: creates a story of real people, real emotions, believable conflict and drama - while tying it in to myth and mythology, using symbolism and classic tropes to tell something entirely new. I'm impressed - and will be seeking out more of Beagle's work.
Three women ride into town... the dark warrior Lal, the nut-brown Nyateneri, cloaked in religious robes, and the pale and resurrected Lukassa. They are pursued by a lover, and they are pursued by assassins. In turn, they pursue a lost friend; and a powerful wizard. The inn where they take rooms will never be the same... and especially, life will never be the same for the innkeeper's boy, Rosseth.
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LibraryThing member pwaites
This wasn’t a book I was really suited for. It’s slow paced and lyrically written. “Sedate” might be a good word to describe it. I had to struggle to keep with it.
Three strange women arrive at an inn, searching for a wizard two of them once knew. The story’s told from many different
My appreciation of the book varies by scene. There was one truly excellent sequence where Lal, one of the women, used the power of storytelling to win a fight. However, the ending was very mystical and vague, sort of like a Robin McKinley book. Then there was something like twenty pages spent on a (non-graphic) multi-person sex scene that felt largely unnecessary.
It is very well written. If there’s one thing about Peter S. Beagle, it’s that he can write. But I kept catching myself drifting away whenever I was trying to read it. It was hard for me to stay focused on the text. There’s probably a lot of thematic stuff that’s flying over my head, and to understand it I’d probably have to read it again, which I won’t be doing.
There’s definitely people out there who would like this book. I’m just not sure who. People looking for a strange, dream like fantasy novel? People who prefer books focused on characters over plots?
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
Three strange women arrive at an inn, searching for a wizard two of them once knew. The story’s told from many different
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perspectives – the women, the innkeeper, the stable boy, a boy who’s searching for his dead fiancee, and a shape shifting fox are the main POV characters, although there’s a few others like the barmaid or the pot boy. Some of them have very distinctive voices – the fox and the innkeeper’s chapters were always interesting for this reason. Others blend together.My appreciation of the book varies by scene. There was one truly excellent sequence where Lal, one of the women, used the power of storytelling to win a fight. However, the ending was very mystical and vague, sort of like a Robin McKinley book. Then there was something like twenty pages spent on a (non-graphic) multi-person sex scene that felt largely unnecessary.
It is very well written. If there’s one thing about Peter S. Beagle, it’s that he can write. But I kept catching myself drifting away whenever I was trying to read it. It was hard for me to stay focused on the text. There’s probably a lot of thematic stuff that’s flying over my head, and to understand it I’d probably have to read it again, which I won’t be doing.
There’s definitely people out there who would like this book. I’m just not sure who. People looking for a strange, dream like fantasy novel? People who prefer books focused on characters over plots?
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
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LibraryThing member Sean191
Another great work from Peter Beagle. Not as quiet a work as Fine and Private Place or as magical as Last Unicorn, but still worth the read.
LibraryThing member jeanned
This standard fantasy fare is complete with warring wizards, some shapeshifting, and journeys into an abstrusely described alternate world/ reality. Beagle's use of language, however, is gorgeous: from the comic turn-of-phrase ("He always sighed like that to inform his students that their answers
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to his last question had shortened his life by a measurable degree and filled his few remaining days with quiet despair.") to Lal's full name, which I wanted to say aloud every time it appeared on the page (Lalkhamsin-khamsolal). But, because I fell asleep 10 times while trying to read the last 50 pages, I can only rate this Locus Award winner at 6 out of 10 stars. Show Less
LibraryThing member raschneid
If a toned-down Faulkner wrote a sword-and-sorcery novel, it would be kind of like this. I loved the depth of the characters' backstories and how obliquely they were conveyed.
LibraryThing member antiquary
Long before this book came out, Peter Beagle composed "The Innkeeper's Song" about a baffled innkeeper recounting a brief stay by three very strange female adventurers who depart taking with them the inn' s stable boy. The song is delightful and many Beagle fans including me long awaited the novel
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based on the song. On getting it , I must admit i was so repulsed I have yet (after 20 years) to finish it. What put me off was a very mixed very graphic sex scene which just didn't fit my image of the work of the author of The Last Unicorn. Frankly, there are writers whose sex scenes I can enjoy (Cecilia Holland for instance) but somehow Beagle is not one of them I freely admit that by 1993 it is reasonable to expect more mature content than it was when Last Unicorn came out, but somehow I just can't wrap my mind around this instance of it. It is like discovering a favorite uncle is really a secret pedophile. Show Less