The Kestrel, by Lloyd Alexander

So here we are on the day designated to discuss The Kestrel. This is the only book that has remained on my favorite books list through all the decades of my life to date, from single digits through what little I've had of thirties. The only book that comes anywhere near it for longevity is The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, which I have loved for longer but not as deeply.

And then when the appointed day comes I am exhausted early and not even sure anybody is still with me beyond Westmark. So I will talk about a few things I thought of, and please jump in to say that you've read it too, and what you think.

( The whole idea of aristocracy is wrong. The injustice of it would be bad enough, but it simply doesn't work. )