Versions of this book in English apparently also include the word Vango first in the title, moving the Prince and Kingdom bits into the rank of subtitle. It also includes a big note that reads "Book 2" which would have helped in my case.
Vango is the protagonist in this story, and I have to say the narrative jumped right in to what felt like the middle of the story when I started, but we know why, so lets not belabor the point. too late bro! This is an action adventure from the get-go. Reminded me a little of Emil and the Detectives, a 1929 children's adventure written Erich Kästner and illustrated by Walter Trier. you can see it listed in my all time favorites in the right hand column Vango is a little like Emil in that he's dropped into this adventure/mystery as a reluctant hero that must try and resolve it. But Vango is more grown than Emil in this book, and so his problems are more dangerous than little Emil had to deal with. His adventures also take him further afield.
This is a swashbuckling story of old. Simple in form, but infectiously rich in daring, adventure, romance and intrigue. In that way it reminds me of "The Crimson Pirate." Burt Lancaster and his first mate Ojo, played by Nick Cravat, rollick through their adventures with abandon, going out of their way to live their lives on their own terms, but always on the look out for injustice and tyranny along the way. Lancaster's character is Capt. Vallo, by the way. Inspiration for Vango, perhaps?
The cast of characters is as wide as the 1930s and 1940s world Vango and his friend float through. Timothée de Fombelle is a treat to read, at least that's my impression based on the translation by Sarah Ardizzone. There were phrases here and there that caught me, and then I remembered that this is a translation, and thought 'Nicely done Sarah Ardizzone.' Fombelle also takes full advantage of his position as author and leader of the conversation between himself and the reader, and I was delighted to be included in a few witticisms he shared, but was kind enough not to point out.
Read this book.
