the treasure is the rose

In the year 1100, the Countess of Mon Coeur, Ariane, is a widow whose husband perished in battle. The Count left his wife a crumbling castle, a rose garden, his shield, and his enigmatic last words, "The treasure is the rose." Ariane lives in poverty with her elderly female servant, Moag. Their closest neighbor, Baron de Rincon, an ungenerous and self-centered man, covets the property, and is unhelpful when Ariane finds herself with three unwelcome houseguests, the thieves Toadflax, Yarrow, and Ragwort. The young men initially plan to eat, rest, and depart, but a rumor of hidden treasure prompts them to remain. The thieves are prepared to hurt or kill the women to aquire the treasure. Will Ariane's wisdom and compassion convince them to abandon their dreadful plan? This ninety-nine page book contains eighty-eight pages of text and eleven pages of black and white line illustrations by Judy Graese. A page of piano sheet music for "Ariane's Song" (which is sung during the course of the story) is located in the back of the book. It was written by Clyde Robert Bulla, a prolific author who also wrote the medieval adventure tale The Sword in the Tree (Trophy Chapter Book). While this is a charming book, it does have a few flaws. The book's pace is initially slow, and Ariane is a bit too brave and saintly to be credible. The thieves' change of heart is also abrupt and slightly far-fetched. Please note that Ariane's hairstyle and gown, while nearly identical to those of Princess Leia in Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope (1977 & 2004 Versions, 2-Disc Widescreen Edition), predate them by four years.

I am sorry to see this appears to be out of print as I write this review. It was one of my favorite stories aas a young girl: a young widowed countess set upon by bandits finds her own treasure. Really lovely, a triumph of gentleness over incivility. The illustrations are invocative and beautiful. Get a copy for your daughter, or the young lady in your life.

This story, while short, is a great period, historical read. Ariane, a young widow in the middle ages, is struggling to hold together the small castle that her husband left her, after he died away at a battle. A nearby Baron is pressing her for marriage, in order to gain her lands. Most of her servants have left when three ruffian youths show up. They are looking for a rumored treasure, hidden at the keep, but Ariane knows nothing of this treasure. She only has her husband's shield, that was returned with his last words; "The Treasure is the Rose." The interactions between the young Ariane and the younger ruffians is interesting as they struggle for what they want and believe and try to find out just who they are in life.

The other unfolds a ploit of scheme and lost love. I think this book is great for readers of a higher maturity above their age. It may be short and not always in a child's depth, but provides a haunting effect that causes the book to be an all time favorite for readers of all ages. T.L.K.

Although a relativly simple story, it is rich with the air of fairytale. Some history trickles through as well. When ever I finish reading this book, Marian's lilting song always echos through my mind for a few hours. Altogether a sastisfying read.