When I first read the description of The Jumbee by Pamela Keyes, I was immediately intrigued.
A Phantom of the Opera with a Caribbean twist?
That idea really stands out among the new Young Adult releases.
I’m generally a fan of story retellings, and I knew this book would be no exception.
“Seventeen-year-old Esti Legard spent her childhood in the Shakespearean world of her famous father, and when he died, she knew she could never give up acting. After she and her mother move to a Caribbean island for her senior year, she realizes that nothing at her new school’s theater department is quite as it seems. Stunned by the death of a fellow student on her first day of class, Esti is soon surrounded by legends of the wicked jumbees that haunt the West Indies. She finds herself snubbed by the school’s star actress and relegated to a minor part in Romeo and Juliet.
Only her intriguing new friend, the elusive Alan, shares her passion for Shakespeare. Hiding in the dark recesses of the theater, he leads Esti deep into her own soul to explore the limits of her talent. When Esti’s childhood best friend moves to the island and back into her life, however, Alan disappears. Rocked by growing accusations of befriending a jumbee, Esti realizes she must find out who – or what – Alan really is. She is soon forced to defy everyone and everything she’s ever believed in, as she plunges into the mysteries of Shakespeare and the legends of the West Indians, discovering shocking truths about her own past that will forever shape her future.”
— Description from GoodReads
This story starts with a bang. I was drawn in from the get-go, wondering if Paul’s fatal fall was really the bad omen that Esti is afraid of.
She is a very likable character, trying to find her way on her own and out of her father’s shadow. She truly loves theater, and as a former theater nerd myself, I found her love of the stage very relatable.
I liked how Esti had to find her place among the students at school and isn’t instantly popular among the students and faculty members who admire her father, the Great Legard.
But I was kind of creeped out by her willingness to accept the help of a voice in the dark, and her instant addiction to Alan’s presence.
It’s obvious the Rafe cares for her (I *loved* Rafe’s character!) and yet she still pines for Alan, whom she’s never even seen. That was a little strange.
The Phantom of the Opera is a hard story to adapt to current times and still be believable. But I think that Keyes did an excellent job, melding the story of the Phantom with the superstitions of the West Indies.
The Jumbee is a creepy, vibrant story with lots of action and suspense. Right until the end, I was wondering what could possibly happen next!
This story is suited for readers young and old. There were a few brief makeout scenes, but nothing I thought was too mature for the “younger” readers in the Young Adult genre.
Be sure to check back tomorrow for my interview with Pamela Keyes, author of The Jumbee, as she tells of her inspiration behind the story and how she chose the setting.
Happy Reading!
Release Date: Oct. 14, 2010
*Disclaimer** A Hardcover Copy of this book was provided to me for review from the publisher, Dial Books for Young Readers.
Thanks to the publisher for the chance to read and review this book early!
I'm reading this one now, and really enjoying it so far! I look forward to your interview with the author!