A pure pleasure of reading, a wonderful pleasure for all fantasy fans wherever they may be.
It's fun to sink into a book, and it's fun to finish it quietly, calmly, at rest, just an enjoyable experience. ( )

liked how they wove different stories together. ( )

Narrated by Denis O'Hare. A witch/healer discovers an abandoned and hideously ugly baby that she decides to raise as her own, with the help of Izul the bear and despite the misgivings of her cat, Fallance. Raised as an only child in a remote location, Lump is unaware of his ugliness until his attempt to befriend children new to the area ends with him being kidnapped, tortured and put on display for profit. He destructively avenges the kidnapping but the consequence is that his mother must sacrifice her magic skills in order to save his life. Lump grows up embittered and angry and takes to wearing a mask. There ensues a long period of bitterness and profligate living until Lump falls into a death-like state from which he is reborn a more forgiving, gentle man with greater appreciation for his mother. Author weaves in familiar fairy tales (Lump's upbringing leads perfectly into his role as Rumpelstiltskin).

Gruber has taken philosophical, spiritual and political ideas and boiled them all together in a giant pot with some magic, fairies and whimsical forest animals. A beautiful, lyrical book for adults and children this one gives readers an introduction into concepts that some people aren't lucky enough to learn until college. Or, if you want, just read it as a fun fantasy book and get lost in a beautiful story. ( )

The titular boy is named Lump and he is left as an infant on the doorstep of a witch with a note that reads "The devil's child for the devil's wife". He's ugly and hairy with a piggy nose, stumpy teeth and droopy ears. But the witch suddenly sprouts maternal feelings and decides to raise the boy. She employs a local bear to act as a nursemaid and nanny and has her captive afreet create a nursery for Lump. However, having not spent much time around regular people, she doesn't realize that there is more to raising a child than just providing material needs. And so Lump grows up to be an impetuous and surly child who doesn't appreciate the gravity of many of the rules that his mother has set for him. The result is a rough life for all who cross his path.

This story weaves alternate versions of many famous fairy tales into the narrative, including Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and others. It's a very engaging story and the witch is quite an amazing woman. Lump is an awful brat and yet you can't help but feel for him, growing up in such unusual circumstances with a face that only a witch mother could love. I really enjoyed this story and am glad to have taken a chance on it.

http://webereading.com/2011/06/once-upon-time-in-faraway-country-there.html ( )