Title: The Unraveling of Wentwater
Author: C. S. Lakin
Pages: 327
Year: 2012
Publisher: AMG/Living
Ink Books
Words are
powerful. That is the premise behind C.
S. Lakin’s novel The Unraveling of
Wentwater. Words can create or
destroy as Teralyn and the people of Wentwater soon discover.
Wentwater
is a land that is unraveling one word at a time. As words disappear, the objects—and
people—that the words symbolize vanish.
Teralyn, the young woman who was prophesied as the one who would cause
Wentwater to unravel, must stitch every missing word back together in order to
save Wentwater, the Heights, and the man that she loves.
Lakin weaves a story full of
biblical allegory along with elements of traditional fairy tales, most notably Sleeping Beauty, in this fourth book of The Gates of Heaven series. One of the background characters, the Lady of
the lake is reminiscent of the Arthurian legends as well. Some of the biblical references include a
flood as well as the theme of sibling jealousy and hatred as in the account of
Cain and Able, which is a predominant theme in Lakin’s novel. Mercy and forgiveness are essential elements
of the story as Justyn, representing Cain, benefits from as he discovers that
his jealousy for his brother was the catalyst for Wentwater’s destruction and
Teralyn’s misery. One of the other main
themes focuses on the differences between two groups of people—the
superstitious and ritualistic villagers of Wentwater and the scholarly seekers
of knowledge for knowledge sake who live in the Heights above the village. Two different worldviews are at odds with one
another, but both views have an element of worldly wisdom that cannot prevent
the tragedy and destruction. However,
there is a wisdom greater than that of the villagers and the scholars. Even the wise, by the end of the tale,
realize that some things must be accepted by faith.
Although Lakin’s novel appears to
be written for adults, it is appropriate for a young audience. Overall, The
Unraveling of Wentwater is a good read and full of the magical elements
that would make a wonderful animated film that Walt Disney would be proud of as
well as providing several moral lessons.
