“The Beatryce Prophecy”
by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall.
Candlewick Press, Somerville, Mass., 2021, 247 pages, Grades 4-6.
Fantasy literature is one of the more entertaining genres of literature. In fantasy, a young character is usually forced into a dangerous journey to overcome some evil. The protagonist is assisted by some people in the story, and attacked by others. The trick to fantasy is to keep a taut plot while the young person untangles the web of mystery.
Famed author Kate DiCamillo writes another outstanding book of blended fantasy and folktales. In “The Beatryce Prophecy,” we see a young girl struggling against overwhelming odds with the help of a goat, a monk, a boy and an old man.
Beatryce wakes up at the Monastery of the Chronicles of Sorrowing. She doesn’t know how she got there, and remembers nothing of her past except her name. Beatryce is nursed back to health by the tender care of Brother Edik.
When questioned about herself, she tells Brother that her name is Beatryce. The head monk feels that the girl will bring pain and suffering to the monastery and orders her to be expelled. Brother Edik courageously stands up to the older monk and says that he will take care of the child. This request is begrudgingly allowed.
Beatryce is actually a princess, suffering from memory loss due to a murder plot on her family. Brother Edik knows none of this but fears for the child. To protect Beatryce, he shaves her head and clothes her in a monk’s robe. He hopes this will trick the soldiers now searching for Beatryce. They plan to kidnap the girl and take her back to the king and his evil counselor.
The malevolent counselor continues to send soldiers to find the child. He knows Beatryce holds a prophecy that states that one day a young girl will overthrow the king. With this, changes will begin in the kingdom; changes that will crush the counselor.
Meanwhile, in a nearby town, a dying soldier asks the monastery to send a monk to write down his confession. A remarkable boy named Jack Dory lives in this village. Jack goes to the monastery to get a monk to write down the confession. To his surprise, Beatryce is sent with him to write down the confession.
They return to the village inn and Beatryce begins writing the confession. This is soon interrupted and they must flee to the nearby forest. With the soldiers hot on their trail, the two evade capture. They will later be helped by an old man in the forest and Brother Edik. They must get back to the king’s castle to fulfill the prophecy. What happens?
Does Beatryce overthrow the king? How does Jack Dory help her with his courage in facing down robbers and guards in the story? Why would none of the rescue have been possible without the wisdom of the old man in the forest and the emerging bravery of Brother Edik? To find the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out “The Beatryce Prophecy” by Kate DiCamillo.
Though some may think this is a book about gentle feminism, I enjoyed the fact that Jack Dory was also seen as a strong, resourceful character. For this reason, I thought the novel was balanced. Both children take initiative throughout the tale.
The writing in the story is underscored by the power of love. This is a hallmark of Kate DiCamillo’s writing. I hope you get a chance to read this inspiring novel, “The Beatryce Prophecy,” by Kate DiCamillo.
Special thanks to Mrs. Susan Pepino, librarian at St. Teresa Elementary School in Lincoln, for recommending this book.
