The Road to Ever After by Moira Young Published by Puffin Books on October 17, 2017
Pages: 240
Goodreads
Part Benjamin Button, part Harold and Maud, part Brian Selznick and part Neil Gaiman, this is a unique, magical story that will draw readers in and make them fall in love with both characters.
Davy David is a thirteen-year-old orphan, who lives in the bushes in a town ruled by a strict minister, Reverend Fall. A talented artist, Davy loves to draw pictures of angels in the dirt, in the early hours of the morning before the townspeople are awake. He spends his days on his own, except for a small dog, who has attached himself to Davy, often going to the library to find inspiration for his pictures of angels. One day, after chasing after a ball for some of the town's boys, he finds himself in the yard of the old boarded-up museum, now rumoured to be the home of a witch. The witch is Miss Elizabeth Flint, an elderly woman who has a proposition for Davy: drive her to her childhood home, where, it turns out, she has made the decision to die.
Davy loves to sketch. He is talented and his ways are unique. He sketches using brooms and twigs. The dry sand that he walks upon is his canvas. Davy sketches angels. His favourites are the archangels. It is while sketching that Davy’s life changes forever. This is how the story begins and what a beautiful tale Moira Young has to tell.
Davy befriends an elderly lady named Miss Elizabeth Flint. She needs a ride to her childhood home and she has decided that Davy would suit her just fine. Davy is not a willing participant. However, life has a way of changing the circumstances surrounding you. Along with a dog named, George, Davy drives this cantankerous old bitty to her destination.
Through chance encounters, the story develops with one adventure leading to another. Perhaps, chance has nothing to do with it. Maybe this journey was written in the stars a long time ago and a few angels were needed to complete the quest.
Touching and heart-felt, readers ages 12 and up will relate to Davy and cheer him on. Davy’s courage to face the unknown in order to fulfill the wish of a friend is exemplary. A wonderful story to share with anyone. Dreams do come true and, sometimes, with a little help from and angel or two.
