The Unfortunate Son in Mock Newbery 2026

Mar 17, 2012 Donalyn rated it really liked it

Shelves: ncbla-committee-2013-books, ya-historical-fiction

I enjoyed this book, but I was dissatisfied with parts of it. Several times, the dialogue pulled me out of the story because it seemed too modern for the Middle Ages. Does the phrase, "Bloom where you are planted" date back this far? The cover is unfortunate-- implying that it's a pirate adventure, which it isn't. The blurb indicates this is a middle grade novel, but repeated references to bastards and eunuchs, historical references without context, and the romance storyline move it more toward ...more

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Jul 22, 2012 Barbara rated it really liked it

Shelves: ncbla2013, abusive-relationships, cultural-identity, families, animals, friendship, romance, community, travel

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This is an engaging page-turner that is likely to make readers ponder luck. All the events that befall the main character might seem to be misfortunes, but when taken together, they all lead him exactly where he needs to be. Without all those bad events, it's unlikely that the truth about his lineage would ever have been revealed, and a happy ending written. Thw writing in this book that is set in late fifteenth and early sixteenth century France is engaging and filled with lovely descriptions o This is an engaging page-turner that is likely to make readers ponder luck. All the events that befall the main character might seem to be misfortunes, but when taken together, they all lead him exactly where he needs to be. Without all those bad events, it's unlikely that the truth about his lineage would ever have been revealed, and a happy ending written. Thw writing in this book that is set in late fifteenth and early sixteenth century France is engaging and filled with lovely descriptions of its setting and its likeable characters.

When Luc is born with only one ear, his father will have nothing to do with him. The boy ends up being raised by peasants who make their living through an olive grove. For reasons revealed later in the book, the man Luc thinks is his father is verbally and physically abusive, and his wife is helpless to intercede or to cope with his alcoholism. Luc eventually finds a more welcoming home with Pons, a fisherman, and his sister Mattie, who is a skilled wood carver. They share their home with Beatrice, the daughter of a disgraced knight. Just when things seem to be taking a turn for the better, Luc is kidnapped by pirates, and sold as a slave to Salah, a wealthy scholar who teaches Luc Arabic, medical skills, and encourages him to view the world differently. Luc is plagued by Bes, whose jealousy over Luc's relationship with Salah causes him to mistreat Luc. Beatrice refused to believe that Luc is gone forever, and once the possibility of his noble origins is raised, she relentlessly presses Louis, Luc's brother, to search for him. Even while Louis remains convinced that the search is pointless and he has no living brother, he still spends the money while also trying to make up for his own father's injustices.

In many ways, this book reminds me of The False Prince with its similar theme of mistaken or hidden identities and all manner of adventures. Given the nature of the count, though, I have to wonder why he didn't simply kill Luc in the first place. Of course, then there would have been no story, and both Luc and the book's readers truly would have been unfortunate. ...more

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Sep 05, 2012 Claire rated it liked it

Shelves: guys-read, historical-fiction

Luc is extremely special- He is beautiful, smart and although he can hear exceptionally well, he is born with one ear. This imperfection is his doom. His noble born father is obsessed with perfection so the Boy must Go.

He is traded with Louis, the comely son of Pascal who is awarded a olive farm far away to raise Luc. Pascal is angry and ungrateful and treats Luc badly. Luc finds acceptance, a home and a vocation in the magical home of young Beatrice, also a victim of and hiding from the Count d ...more

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Sep 19, 2012 Wendy rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2012-award-possibilities

In judging this by its cover, I didn't want to read it. I expected something swashbuckly, lots of holding-the-knife-in-his-teeth, followed by lots of honor and justice, ad nauseum. But actually I enjoyed this very much and read it in one sitting. The fifteenth-century France and Tunisian settings are lovely, and the characters--especially the middle-aged brother and sister coastal French fishermen--are all charming. The over-the-top elements of cruel nobility that are sort of Princess Bridesque ...more

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Nov 25, 2012 Sandy rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, juvenile-fiction

Excellent! One of the best books for the juvie audience that I've read this year, featuring a 16th century setting, family secrets, intrigue, and lots of likable characters. Oh, and excellent, excellent writing.

Picked this one up because it made Betsy Bird's list of potential Newbery winners, and I agree that it has a decent chance. ...more

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Jul 30, 2012 Sharon rated it really liked it

Shelves: a-fiction-middle, a-fiction-ya, a-historical-fiction, a-romance

The Unfortunate Son is a sprawling adventure set in 16th century France and Tunisia in North Africa. Luc, the hero, was born with one ear, and was rejected by his father. Luc is pawned off on an hateful farmer, and finally apprenticed to a kind fisherman with a lovely daughter. The happiness is short lived when he is kidnapped by pirates and becomes the property of a wealthy Arab. There is also a romantic interest. Fun read!

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May 22, 2012 Kris Springer rated it liked it

Shelves: 2013-newbery-reads

Enjoyed it but don't think it's extraordinary. Little too long, writing not as poetic as I would've liked, and the themes and plot are a bit too obvious. ...more

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