Author: Robert Jay
Publisher: Montooth Press
ISBN: 978-0-615-29645-6

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First in a series starring intrepid teenager Carty Andersson, Montooth and the Canfield Witch is quick paced and, despite its considerable size (over 400 pages), very easy reading. Aimed  at young adult readers, it is set in the Florida swamps in the 1950s,  and  follows the adventures of  Carty (short  for Catherine) and her friends  as they negotiate a variety of threats -  treacherous swamps, mythical alligators, school bullies and , most formidable of all, the sinister strangers threatening her reclusive neighbour, Sally Canfield.

Replete with references  to literary and popular culture icons of that bygone era – hoovers, Old Slewfoot, moon pies, Bab-O, ‘Montooth..’ could be  a  walk down memory lane for readers nostalgic for the ‘simpler’ times that it is set in. Of course, as author Robert Jay soon reminds us, times were slower and seemingly simpler, but hardly sylvan – racial segregation was still rampant as was anti-Semitism , gender discrimination hindered women from pursuing careers in fields like medicine and engineering,  and single women like Sally Canfield easily regarded with suspicion. Jay  does not shy away from discussing  the grimmer stuff, and his narrative brings us instances of both shocking violence and deplorable social prejudice.  Nor does he doubt his readers' abilities to keep up with more complex information - his parallel plot, involving the origins of Cruz Cruz (one of the scariest bad guys to grace  children’s literature in  a while, outside of a Harry Potter book), brims not just with gore, but also financial and socio political detail.

Carty is a character that grabs your attention right away- tough, independent, at ease both at home and in the great outdoors.In a time when boys and girls were kept firmly bound and separate by convention, Carty negotiates that divide with ease – she bakes pies , helps her aunt around the house and wears a dress with much the same ease she displays in maiming  felons and grappling with giant alligators. She is also mature for her age, and capable of standing up to injustice and prejudice. Small wonder then that her ‘Crew’ comprises the social misfits of her class - African American Hale; Holocaust survivor Mack;  Blake who, at nearly fifteen,  is older and significantly taller than the rest of his friends.

Interspersed with Carty’s story is the legend of Montooth, written by the Canfields, and mythologizing the fearsome giant reptile that lurks in the waters and is rumoured never to feed on ducks. His tale , an interesting foil to the main narrative, also emphasizes the same themes  – courage, embracing diversity,  standing up for the weak, building family.  Surprisingly, given the aura surrounding Montooth, his actual contribution to the adventure feels rushed and inadequate, one of the few lows I experienced in my reading of this book.

Montooth.. leaves us  at an intriguing juncture, suggesting not just new adventures for Carty and the Crew, but  future encounters with old foes as well. I look forward to a sequel as entertaining .


Click Here To Purchase Montooth and the Canfield Witch