Pangur Bán by Fay Sampson
“Now! Now you shall see what happens to those who would break the spell of mermaids!”
Fleeing the king’s justice for his accidental crime, the monk Niall has been bewitched by mermaids in the underwater realm, while vengeful Princess Finnglas is in the grip of a terrifying sea monster. Pangur Bán, the white cat, is desperate. He must rescue them—but how?
Only Arthmael can do it.
But who is Arthmael? And where is he? Can Pangur Bán find him in time?
Beautifully written, wilder and less safe than Lewis’s Narnia, this beloved allegory is newly republished. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or rediscovering that book you loved as a child, Pangur Bán, the White Cat delivers breathless fantasy and spiritual depth for young readers and adults.
Pangur Ban—the white cat—is based on an old Irish poem dating back to the 9th century. That poem is about a monk and his companion, and this story is true to that theme—but goes far beyond a quiet evening at work. Pangur Ban and the monk Niall, after causing a terrible tragedy, are sent away on a journey of recompense.This is technically a children’s chapter book. I adored it, but it was a bit…gruesome… at times, I think, for young children. Nevertheless, it is a story I would happily share with my kids when they’re slightly older, as it is a perfectly lovely introduction to Irish folklore(and the folk story style in general, where the strange and bewildering are accepted and commonplace). It was whimsical and heartfelt, and the characters all grew a great deal by the end of the story. This is definitely one to remember and reread.
This review was written by Constance Lopez. Constance knows magic is real. Dragons, faeries… and don’t even get her started on unicorns. She grew up having epic duels in the woods with her siblings, and nature is still one of her favorite places to be. If she isn’t out there working on her stories, she’s dragging her children and husband on adventures (they always enjoy it once they’re outside). Except in summer. For those months she hides inside, because Texas heat is real and it hates her.
Books have always been her haven and inspiration, and now she writes her own noblebright stories, hoping to pass those feelings along to others. Fantasy, of course. Because everything is better with magic. Her debut YA fantasy will release in Spring 2021.
