I am borrowing a lovely review by Carol Hurst:Betsy Byars' newest book Keeper of the Doves is the deceptively simple story of one turn of the century family during one summer. Accessible to kids from fourth grade up, it speaks gently but packs a punch. The story revolves around words and their power to wound as well as heal. Chapters in alphabetical order carry the reader through this story. And there is an alphabet of invisible flowers within the book to accent that motif.All of the children have names beginning with A. The father's name is Albert. Their mother, Lily, spends most of the time in her room, distant in fact as well as in effect, and, of course, she has a name that begins with a different letter. The sisters are all very different, sharing only their dislike of Aunt Pauline who is in charge of them most of the time.There are six sisters in the McBee family. The youngest sister, Amen, called Amie, is our narrator. In love with words, she writes poems in order to make sense of and to commemorate the world around her. Neither she nor any of the sisters seem to resent the fact that their father desperately wanted a son. He is known to have wept bitter tears at the birth of Amen. He weeps again -- tears of joy this time -- when at last his son Adam is born.The indistinguishable twins, Arabella and Annabella, are grouped together at all times by a single name, The Bellas. They delight in terrifying Amie with their stories and often cruel games. Many of their games and stories concern Mr. Tominsky, a mysterious man who lives in a chapel at the back of the estate. The tale is dominated by that man who is largely off-stage. He's the Keeper of the Doves.
This was a sweet little book that would be appropriate for young people primarily in middle school (although the book is listed as YA). The main character is one of a family of 5 girls and 1 boy. All have names beginning with "A". One child, a girl, died when 10 days old from a weak heart. Two of the sisters are called the Bellas because no one, including their mother, could tell them apart: Annabella and Arrabella. These two were pretty funny, saying most things at the same time repeating each other. The narrator, Amen/Amy, loved words as did her father. She would write poetry constantly receiving much praise from her parents, grandmother, and aunt. The story includes an older gentleman who lived near who had once saved the father's life. This man also once was hunted for the murder of someone after the war. As a result he lived all alone in the middle of the forest and talked to the doves. The children often made up stories about this man. Their father didn't like it. He was very protective of this friend. Everytime the other would have a new baby, grandmamma would come to stay. Mother would stay in her bedroom all summer and take medicines since she was so bothered by allergies. She would come out and act normal in the winter. This book was left in my classroom so I brought it home and read it due to the interesting cover and title.
What do You think about Keeper Of The Doves (2004)?
I gave this book a five because i thought it was a really good book. I felt bad when Mr. Tom died because he didnt do anything wrong. He just helped saved the dads life. He was nice to them he never hurt anyone other then maybe scout the dog. I like how it doesnt jump around because when it does it confusies me.
—Chasity Z
This book was very well written and had a wonderful premise. It started so well and was so promising that it's ending landed with a decided thud. The sum of this novel feels like only the first half of a very good book. Once the characters are set into place and the opportunity for greatness is there it stops suddenly and without resolution.I was giddy at the thought that Amen would go on to take over and tend the doves or that "the Bellas" would come to an understanding and maturity about the character they misunderstood, but no. Just an ending, thrown together. This book could have been amazing had there been a part two.
—Emilie
This is sparse, powerful and wonderfully written. Filled with lovely poetic images of life in 1889, it is a tale of impressions seen through the eyes of Amen McBee, the youngest of five sisters.Mr. Tominski is a secretive man who lives on the McBee property. Long ago he rescued Amen's father. In gratitude, he is allowed to remain on the property and is respected by Amen's father. When Amen's twin sisters weave nasty tales of Mr. Tominski, difficult feelings arise and misunderstanding abounds with dire consequences.I liked this book. Each word was used wisely and, without pounding the message, the author made a sensitive point about understanding those who are different.Recommended.
—Linda Lipko
