IN MEMORIAM: Brian Jacques (1939-2011)

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IN MEMORIAM: Brian Jacques (1939-2011)

POSTED: Wednesday, February 9, 2011, 6:00 PM

Filed Under: Arts | Critical Mass | In Memoriam Books

I came relatively late to the Redwall books, at the ripe age of nine or ten. Many of my classmates had become fans the year before, but at the time, the 300-page tomes seemed too thick for my undivided attention, and I struggled with the British accents as written on the page. But when, in fifth grade, I finally entered the world of Matthias the mouse, I was captivated, and quickly devoured the original trilogy: Redwall, Mossflower, and Mattimeo. When I heard that Brian Jacques died this weekend, I wanted to take a look back at the series that cast a spell on my childhood self.

jmarkmiller.net

The series, which now numbers more than 20 books, chronicles the adventures of the small creatures living in and around Redwall Abbey. Those living in the abbey itself are peace-loving but frequently forced to defend themselves when under siege by rats and other unsavory characters. Mice and hares are called upon to go on quests; vicious stoats don't hesitate to try and slit their throats (Jacques never held back on the violence). The books had everything I needed to feed a 10-year-old imagination: young male protagonists wielding swords; rich, ever-expanding geography; old, wise figures studying dusty volumes of abbey lore. A standout feature of the novels was the complex history of Redwall. From the series' start, the books darted back and forth in time, with the first one following the second chronologically and the third coming after either one. It was a welcome challenge to try to reconstruct the overall story from individual tales that were completely out of order. (Many fellow readers have told me they loved the lavish descriptions of abbey feasts, but I have to say those didn't interest me much.) For several years I lugged Redwall books to school, eager for silent reading period when I could imagine myself into Matthias' small shoes. As I got older, I moved on to other novels, but I could never bring myself to relegate the series to the attic: it stayed on my bedroom bookshelf. Once or twice in college, I looked back at Redwall, hoping it had retained its magic. I'd love to be able to say it did, but in fact I found myself troubled by unanswerable questions—of scale, for example: I'll accept the tiny swords, but how could a mouse realistically befriend a rabbit? And why are rats uniformly evil? Still, the books had left a mark, helping to awaken the Anglophile in me. When I spent a semester studying in Norwich, England, I noticed an advertisement for a Brian Jacques appearance at a local bookstore. When the night arrived, it was clear that Redwall had retained its hold on new generations, even in a Potter-dominated world: I was the oldest non-parent there. I'd expected an audience of people my age, former fans eager to weigh in on the series' hidden literary merit. Jacques swept in, wearing a cape and a huge grin. He told his own life story, and read excerpts from a new book, acting it out as if it were a play. Then, loving every moment, he took questions from the awed young listeners. At a time when the line between children's and adult books is becoming blurred, this event was all about the kids—the author aimed at their imaginations. He had no wish to be grandiose: Jacques' job was to tell stories, and he knew how.

Kim Woodbridge

Posted 2011-02-09 13:25:38

I was surprised and saddened by his death.  I've read some of the books as an adult and my daughter also loves them.  How wonderful that you got to meet him.

Could you please change the year of death in the headline?  It's 2011.

Matt Cantor

Posted 2011-02-09 14:47:11

Duly noted re the date! Whoops. Thank you, and thanks for your note.

Chris Haines

Posted 2011-02-09 15:38:48

I'm glad to see that people are talking about his death, I always felt in a lot of ways that he was under appreciated by very many people, but to me I think he is by far the best there has been for a long time.
Truly a great inspiration to those like myself who are in the world of story telling.
Thank you for noticing the wonder of his works, I'm glad to be proved wrong, and to see that a great many people did appreciate his books as I did.

Allison Fine

Posted 2011-02-09 17:31:37

I actualyl never read or heard of Mr. Jacques books and I am a writer myself. I cannot wait to hit my local bookstore and begin reading the series, I have a feeling that although he aimed his work at young readers, like all great writers his work resonates with people of all ages! I love his inspirational sources, his working class ethic, the jaunty smile on his face--I really regret not ever having seen or met him. Harry Potter leaves me cold, but I love the sly humor in this man and I am sure he will be missed--but I am equally sure he is a happy soul looking back over a life of wonderful creativity and a lot of joy.

Joel

Posted 2011-02-09 21:09:41

The Redwall books were a major part of my childhood, and are the reason I love books. I have never been this sad about a famous person dying. He will be missed very much.

John Lasher

Posted 2011-02-09 21:37:00

I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Jacques backstage during the original run of the "Legend of Redwall Abbey" musical/opera 14 years ago (I was 14 at the time). He was an enchanting gentleman, a fantastic storyteller, and kept us enthralled with the tales of his life and journeys.

He was truly one of the under-appreciated great ones, and he will be truly missed.

Stephen

Posted 2011-02-09 22:42:31

Joel, you say it perfectly. I also think I have never posted a comment on an article on a news source before this. The Redwall series was hugely formative for me and I only wish I could have thanked him for his contribution to my, and other's, love of reading and stories.

Mark

Posted 2011-02-10 00:00:12

I feel truly sad about the death of Brian Jacques.  I have read all of the Redwall books and to this day "Triss" is the only book to have ever brought a tear to my eye.  I met him at a book signing at Notre Dame and he told me "As long as you wake up in the morning, every day will be a good one."  R.I.P. Brian Jacques

Megan

Posted 2011-02-10 02:39:35

Rest in peace, Mr. Jacques.  And thank you for being the spark that ignited one 9 year old boy's love of reading.  That boy, and his parents, are very sad tonight.  We will open your cookbook this weekend and prepare some Dibbuns Delight, and toast you with a Strawberry Fizz.

Emma

Posted 2011-02-10 03:49:40

To quote the Pearls of Lutra:

"Fare you well upon your journey,
to the bright lands far away,
where beside the peaceful rivers,
you may linger any day.
In the forests warm at noontide,
see the flowers bloom in the glades,
meet the friends who've gone before you,
to the calm of quiet shades.
There you'll wait, O my beloved,
never knowing want or care,
and when I have seen my seasons,
we will walk together there."

R.I.P., Brian. Thanks for everything.

Samantha

Posted 2011-02-10 05:04:40

I don't think his books were meant only for children. They were so intricate, full of underlying complexities and character subtleties. Although certainly entertaining for a child, I don't think a child can fully appreciate the artistic vision in the Redwall series. Just because they're technically stories about talking animals doesn't mean they're inherently childish.
I read them in high school the first time around and, as soon as I'm done my PhD and actually have time for pleasure reading again, I fully intend to read them all again with an even greater appreciation and vigor. In fact, they're all sitting on my bookshelf right behind me in my office. All of this talk since Jacques' unfortunate passing has made me want to make time for them again so badly!
I can't believe there will never be any more stories of Redwall. I think that's what makes me saddest of all.

Marcia

Posted 2011-02-10 10:21:28

I am deeply saddened by Brian Jacques departure from this world.  I cannot imagine having raised my children (ages 19 and 16) without him.  We were lucky enough to hear him speak twice and to meet him after one of his talks.  I spent countless hours reading Redwall books to them and enjoyed every minute of it. He is part of the permanent fabric of our family.

Janie

Posted 2011-02-10 16:31:53

Brian Jacques' characters are interwoven with our family.  How do 2 kids, 10 years apart develop a common sense of siblinghood? Through the antics and heroics of Long Patrol hares, the creepy villains, Gonff, dibbuns and hinfants; through molespeak and Guerilla Unions.  At a book signing, BJ carefully inspected a dagger my then 10 yr-old son brought to show him, and declared "Hm, stilleto, 16th century Italy, used by assassins to stab between the 3rd and 4th ribs into the heart." Wow - what a story teller. We will always love you.

JoyBelle

Posted 2011-02-11 00:53:07

Matt Cantor,

What an tribute of honor you article has given Brian Jacques.  Thank you for letting us see a glimps of him.

Heather

Posted 2011-02-11 02:35:58

I came to Redwall books when I was in Middle school, sixth grade.  Ironically, I read "Redwall" first and immediately fell in love with his characters.  For years I asked for books, ONLY his books, for Christmas, my birthday, ANY holiday where I would get a present, that's what I asked for.  He's been a great part of my life, his books helping me through some rough spots.  He will be greatly missed, I am pleased that people have taken notice of his death.  He's given all, whom has read his books, great stories and adventures.  So descriptive, I could lose myself in them easily.
All who have met him in person, you are so lucky.
Thank you Brian...for everything.
--Heather from KY, USA

Heather

Posted 2011-02-11 02:37:00

That's very good Emma.  And, I think, fits the occasion and person very well.
--Heather from KY, USA

john

Posted 2011-02-13 15:38:21

EULAIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

john

Posted 2011-02-13 15:39:54

EULALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOGALOGLAOLOG!!!!
REEEEEEEEDDDDDDWWWWWWAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mark

Posted 2011-02-14 06:26:13

RIP brain EULALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!
EULALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!
EULALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!
EULALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!
EULALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!

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