The Coachman Rat

This marriage of "Cinderella" and "The Pied Piper" was certainly a fast and entertaining read. In some ways it reminded me of _Ratatouille_ as well and I wonder if the writers read this first. This fairy tale was fun - though it would probably be better for younger audiences. Then again, I suppose you can't really outgrow fairy tales. And while this isn't my favorite re-told fairy tale, it certainly wasn't bad. And the whole idea of the story was quite original.

I won't give away any major spoilers. This book is incredibly sad, I had to stop myself from crying at one point during the read (but then, I'm a rat lover, so I guess that's not surprising.) I don't think the cover or title of this book do it justice, personally. Call me a non-picky reader, but I could truly relate to Robert's (the rat) feelings of awe, wonder, despair, and helplessness through his saga as if I were the character himself (a point he brings up at one point in the story when he reads through books in a library.) What makes it particularly sad is that it is based off of the Cinderella story, but from a more tragic point of view. It makes you feel the magnitude of all living creatures being connected somehow. It's true the story itself is whimsical, but it touches me just the same. Whether you're a rat-lover or not, this book will make you see rats as the higher species, not human beings.

"The Coachman Rat" begins like a Cinderella story, except it's told from the rat's point of view. He's turned into a coachman one night and given the name Robert so a young scullery maid (Amadea) can attend a prince's ball in style. He was given just that one night as a man, but it was enough to convince him he must remain human.So, after the spell was broken, Robert went in search of the "godmother" to have her change him back. He doesn't find her until a very pivotal scene when Amadea is condemned as a witch for speaking to animals (Robert) and invoking demons (the "godmother"), and she and her husband (the prince) are killed by a mob in public. It's one of my favorite parts of the book and puts an interesting, realistic twist on the traditional Cinderella story.Robert does get transformed back into human form, but he's tormented by his growing hatred for man and seeks revenge for Amadea's death by organizing an army of rats like the Pied Piper.The story has no sex or graphic blood and gore, but I don't consider it a kid's book. I would recommend "The Coachman Rat" to anyone who likes darker fantasy / fairy tale stories with animal characters, particularly rats. It's very entertaining and will make you think afterwards. The ending is also appropriate considering the rat's stigma during the Middle Ages.

The Coachman Rat goes past the fairy tale of Cinderella and shows in historical perspective what would probabably have happened to many of the major characters. Cinderella and her prince are set up as tyrants and consorts of witches, leading to overthrow and death. The story of the vengeful rats retaliation is also historically based and adds a great twist. Highly recommended for young adults and adults alike.