the illyrian adventure

Title: The Illyrian Adventure by Lloyd Alexander

Genre: Adventure

Annotation: Sixteen year-old Vesper Holly embarks on a grand adventure replete with a quest for treasure, political intrigue, and a mysterious foreign destination known as Illyria.

Review: Reminiscent of a teenage, female Indiana Jones or a young Laura Croft (Tomb Raider), Vesper Holly leaps from the pages of The Illyrian Adventure with her boisterous resiliency. The adventure is relayed by Professor Brinton Garrett, newly appointed as Vesper's guardian after the passing of her father. This method of storytelling is actually quite engaging, and it's a nice respite after reading so many "first person" accounts in other works of adolescent literature. Regardless, the story really takes off after Vesper convinces Professor Garrett to accompany her to the obscure little country of Illyria to prove her father's wild theory of linking Illyrian mythology to actual history. Set in1872, the heroine encounters sexism and nationalism in the tiny European country. But upon learning the Illyrian language and customs, Vesper gains a great appreciation for their way of life. However, the country is on the verge of a civil war that dates back 700 years to a conflict between two ancient kings, Ahmad and Vartan. Vesper is lucky enough to befriend King Osman, who promises her protection, as she sets off into the backwoods of Illyria to search for a lost treasure. During her travels, she hires a "dragoman" named Nilo to guide the party to Alba-Collia, the place that Vesper believes will validate her father's suppositions regarding Illyrian mythology and history. As it turns out, Nilo is actually the leader of the rebel resistance that King Osman is fighting. Nilo and Vesper, along with Professor Garrett, eventually recover the treasure, which was the gift of peace from Ahmad to Vartan, and save King Osman's life. In the end, Vesper "saved a king's life, prevented a civil war, triumphed over her father's detractors, foiled an abominable villain, and contributed to scholarly knowledge."

The Illyrian Adventure was a pleasant surprise. While it might not win much critical acclaim, the story is intricate and defensible. More importantly, several themes visited in the story are germane to world affairs today. For example, the recent conflict in the former Soviet republic of Georgia, is somewhat parallel to the dynamics in Illyria. Vesper is an outspoken critic of the civil war in Illyria; she befriends leaders on both sides of the conflict. The storyline also illustrates how history is relevant to contemporary events and how, if not understood correctly, we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of our progenitors. Lastly, it was refreshing to see a strong, young woman cast as the hero/heroine; Vesper was confident, intelligent, and keenly aware of the social inequalities that plagued Illyria.