TREACLE WALKER

- ALAN GARNER

BOOK REVIEW
In the words of Alan Garner himself, “the job of a storyteller is to speak the truth. But
what we feel most deeply can’t be spoken in words alone. At this level, only images
connect. And here, story becomes symbol; symbol is myth. And myth is truth.”
“Treacle Walker” by Alan Garner is a similar work of fiction that explores the
permeability of time and is a fascinating blend of myth and folklore.
The narrative is set in a small village in England and follows the story of a young boy
named Joe. He leads an unusual and constrained life. He claims to have been ill and
uses a patch to fix a lazy eye. He counts the days by observing the passing of Noony,
the train, across the valley below because his parents are nowhere to be found. One
day Treacle Walker, a rag-and-bone guy, shows around and offers Joe a cup and a
stone in return for some worn-out pajamas and a lamb's shoulder bone. Joe's name is
written on the cup, and an image of a horse is engraved on the stone. The word
"treacle" originally meant "medicine" in the Middle Ages, and it soon becomes
apparent that the medicine man's goal is to heal Joe's sight in more ways than one. The
two concepts of seeing the world and perceiving the world were not the same
anymore. Around Joe's following journeys and experiences, quantum physics and
imagination intertwined.
This journey of discovery is filled with mystery and magic that leaves the reader in a
constant state of awe. Joe is a courageous and tenacious young boy who does not back
down from a task. He is resourceful and kind-hearted, making him a relatable and
likable protagonist. The other characters in the story are equally well-crafted, each
with unique personalities and idiosyncrasies of their own. They are an interesting and
diverse cast that adds depth and dimension to the story. His prose is lyrical and
evocative, capturing the essence of the English countryside and the magic that lies
within. He uses vivid descriptions and rich imagery to paint a picture of the world that
Joe inhabits, making it seem palpable and genuine. The author's use of language is
masterful, and his storytelling is nothing short of magical.
The themes explored in the novel are timeless and universal. The journey of self-
discovery and the importance of family are prominent throughout the book. The
reader is taken on a journey of discovery and magic that explores the deeper meaning
of life and the importance of relationships. The book also touches on the concept of
identity, asking the question of what it means to be human and what our place is in the
world. One of the most impressive things about "Treacle Walker" is the way it blends
elements of fantasy and reality. The author has created a world that is both fantastical
and based on truth. The magical elements of the story are woven seamlessly into the
narrative, making the reader feel as if they are a part of this enchanted world. The
balance between the real and the fantastical world is handled with great skill and
makes the story feel both believable and magical at the same time.