The Jack Tales - Book 4
Jack, the King of Ashes
“If you can’t join this great Newfoundland yarnspinner in the cabin of a schooner, listening to stories and songs by lantern light, then reading his hilarious Jack tales runs a pretty strong second. Andy Jones rolls his newest Jack tale along with cinematic energy, reveling in the choice sounds of Newfoundland English as Jack leaves his coal box behind en route to finding a kingdom of his own. I loved Jack’s canine sidekick Kevin-Phonse (Kevin-Phonse?!!!), part Sancho Panza and part Greek Chorus, who speaks ESL as he comments on Jack’s misadventures.
Among shortlisted titles for Governor General's Literary Award, 2015
Among shortlisted titles for Silver Birch Express, 2016
Among shortlisted titles for Newfoundland and Labrador History and Heritage Award, 2015
In the wake of his highly acclaimed book Jack and Mary in the Land of Thieves, Andy Jones is back with Jack, the King of Ashes, another riotously funny Jack tale that is as moving as it is hilarious.
This time Jack, the “King of Ashes,” spends all his time hove off in the coal box, until one day he shakes off his ashes and sets out on an adventure that includes sneaky robbers, a “famous missing princess with reward attached,” an always-surprising canine sidekick, a royal wedding, a lovelorn rooster-puppet, a conniving ship’s captain, corpses, curses, kisses, a coat and a whole lot more!
Steeped in Newfoundland folk tradition, Jack, the King of Ashes shows Jones at the top of his form. His quirky and delightful humour is unstoppable.
Praise