Mimus

Title: Mimus
Author: Lili Thal
ages: 13+
Rating: 5/5

I've got myself in a silly dilemma.
I first read this novel about a year ago, I'd picked it up at library sale a couple years ago and really enjoyed it. The story was really engaging and I cared a lot about the characters. The novel is very well written and the plot is suspenseful.

My dilemma is that despite knowing how important weeding is at the library, and how even if a book is good -if it's not circulating it's got to go. Well, I recently saw this book on the weeding cart and almost immediately put a hold on it and checked it out. I am ignoring certain principles to try to save one book. But is that even possible? My hold and signing-out of this book only boosts the circulation statistic by one. That will make no difference. I suppose my only hope is that I can hang onto it past the weeding schedule, and if this novel makes it through without getting pulled, I will make an effort to recommend it to as many people as possible.

Summary: Prince Florin and his father The King are invited to sign a peace treaty with the neigboring kingdom. But they are ambushed, the King is thrown into the dungeon and the Prince is made the apprentice to the court jester. Mimus, the Master Jester, is cruel but complex and takes his art seriously.

This is not a book for under 12. Florin's experiences and feelings are intense, he is humiliated, betrayed, starved and beaten. But it's not all gloom. There are also by turns, scenes of kindness and redemption, loyalty and hope. Mimus is actually one of the best teen books I've read in a long time, even now a year after I've read it. Check it out.

*I've labelled this under fantasy, but there is no magical aspect. It does take place in medieval times though.