Cerberus

School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up This tale of friendship and treachery among the gods and heroes presents Cerberus, the three-headed mad dog of mythology and Guardian of the Gates of Hell, as a much misunderstood pupa noble and tragic figure. It seems that Cerberus, the affectionate and frisky offspring of a doting monster mother, grew up lonely and tender-hearted, yearning to be an everyday companion dog. His attachment to Delia, the little daughter of fisherfolk, was both his solace and his undoing. To ransom her from the Underworld, he was forced to serve the god Hades at the Gates, perhaps forever. Evslin's elaboration on tradition is accompanied by superb color reproductions of paintings by artists such as Blake, Bosch, Van Gogh, Pollock, and Rothko, as well as sculptures, representations from Dante's ``Inferno,'' scenes from the Sistine Chapel, and native American mythic symbols. All are mood-enhancers and stimuli for pondering eternal themes of life and literature. Be aware that the great art here depicts the naked human form in a few instances. A treat for those who enjoy mythology and for those who are willing to try something very special. It's a serious, imaginative, and affecting work. Libby K. White, Schenectady County Public Library, N.Y.