My Name is NOT Peaseblossom by Jackie French, (Angus & Robertson),
2019, Pb RRP $14.50 ISBN: 9781460754788 Ebook
9781460709177
Reviewed by Pauline Hosking
This is the last in Jackie French’s Shakespeare series
which comprises I am Juliet, Ophelia: Queen of Denmark and Third Witch.
Peaseblossom is an enterprising male fairy attendant of
Titania, Queen of the Fairies. His wedding has been arranged to one of the
tooth fairies, Floss. On midsummer’s eve Peaseblossom and Floss will drink the
magic love potion and live happily ever after.
That’s
what’s supposed to happen. Peaseblossom (‘I prefer to be called Pete’) is a bit
of a rebel. He’s adept at using TAP (time and place manipulation) and
frequently jumps thousands of years into the future. He’s developed a taste for
pizzas rather than dandelion salad and candied violets, especially the pizzas
from the Leaning Tower of Pizza made by the mysteriously attractive Gaela.
The
introduction of vampires adds a dramatic twist to Pete’s dilemma.
Pete is a likeable, subversive, hero who has the
courage to deny the love potion and choose instead real love with all its ups
and downs and uncertainties.
The theme of the book is free will, or the lack of it.
Scattered among Pete’s adventures is a retelling of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In the play, the only characters who can
do what they want are the royals: Theseus, the Amazon Queen, Oberon and
Titania.
Everyone else has to do what they are told and love who is chosen for
them. Poor Hermia must marry the man her father prefers rather than the one she
loves.
Students from Grade 6 upwards will enjoy such a light,
rollicking tale. There are lots of giggle moments. The ageing fairy Puck is the
source of much amusement.
It isn’t necessary to know the play well, although
this will add to a reader’s enjoyment. Direct quotes are cunningly placed
throughout in the text.
Recommended.
