Penguin Readers Level 3: the Ring of Bright Water (Penguin Readers (Graded…

The language in this book seems a little dated, and is quite chewy and wordy for such a simple tale of an amazing relationship between what appears to be a reclusive eccentric man and his otter companions. The story begins with Maxwell divulging his priveliged upbringing and his relationships with animals both wild and tame. It then leads us to him finding his first otter in southern Iraq sometime during the 1950's and their adventures from there to his London flat and onto Scotland. There are some very entertaining scenes from the airplane and train that they used to get to London. After arriving, things become interesting when Maxwell has to otter-proof his London flat and find suitable food and stimulation for this wily little beast! Living in London becomes very difficult, and Maxwell realises that his otter needs the wilderness and wide open spaces that his home in a remote part of Scotland can provide. This book has beautiful details and touching descriptions of these interesting creatures along with Maxwell's very apparent appreciation of his isolated Scottish home. ( )