Obernewtyn (novel)

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Obernewtyn
Author Isobelle Carmody
Country Australia
Language English
Series Obernewtyn Chronicles
Genre(s) Fantasy, Science fiction novel Alternate history novel
Publisher Puffin Books (AUS)
Publication date May 1988 (1st edition)
Media type Print (paperback)
ISBN ISBN 0-14-032231-0
Followed by The Farseekers

Obernewtyn is a science fiction novel by Isobelle Carmody set in a post apocalyptic world. It is the first book in the Obernewtyn Chronicles.

Contents

[edit] Plot introduction

In my dream I was somewhere cold and darkly quiet. I could hear water dripping and I was afraid, though I did not know why. In the distance there was a bright flash of light. A high-pitched whining noise filled the air like a scream, but no one could scream for so long without stopping to breathe.

In a world struggling back from the brink of apocalypse, life is harsh and secretive. But for Elspeth Gordie, born with enhanced mental abilities that would see her sterilised or burned if discovered, it is also fraught with danger. There is only survival by secrecy, and so she determines never to demonstrate her forbidden powers. But it is as if they have their own imperative, and their distribution inevitably brings her to the attention of the totalitarian Council that rules and controls the Land with sadistic intentions.

Sent to the remote mountain institute of Obernewtyn where escape is impossible, she must throw off her safe cloak of concealment and pit herself against those who would resurrect the terrible forces of the Apocalypse.

Only then will she learn most truly who and what she is...

[edit] Characters in "Obernewtyn"

The story is told through first person point of view of Elspeth Gordie

  • Elspeth Gordie, a young misfit, sent to Obernewtyn.
  • Jes Gordie, brother of Elspeth Gordie.
  • Maruman, an enigmatic cat who accompanies Elspeth Gordie to Obernewtyn.
  • Rosamunde, an orphan.
  • Elii, a guide, who leads orphan expeditions to the fringes of the Blacklands.
  • Madam Vega, Head Keeper of Obernewtyn.
  • Alexi, Madam Vega's assistant.
  • Selmar, a Misfit, reduced to a broken and slightly mad shadow of her former self.
  • Ariel, a cruel and nasty young Misfit, given a position of power at Obernewtyn.
  • Cameo, a delicate young Misfit, friend of Elspeth Gordie.
  • Matthew, a Misfit with a slight limp, friend of Elspeth Gordie.
  • Dameon, a blind Misfit, friend of Elspeth Gordie.
  • Rushton, Overseer of the Farms at Obernewtyn, real heir to Obernewtyn.
  • Louis Larkin, Stablehand at Obernewtyn.
  • Sharna, A loyal male Dog, who befriends Elspeth Gordie.

[edit] Awards and nominations

  • CBC Book of the Year

Shortlisted - 1988 for Obernewtyn: The Obernewtyn Chronicles

  • CBC Book of the Year

Shortlisted - 1988 for Obernewtyn: The Obernewtyn Chronicles

[edit] Film, TV or theatrical adaptations

The Corrugated Iron Youth Arts Theatre in Darwin, Australia, produced Caroline Heske's stage play adaptation of Obernewtyn at the Brownis Mart Theatre in November 2005.

[edit] Release details

[edit] Author quotation

"I dream of those other worlds and places where life is enchantingly complicated, more honourable, and where there is still room for noble deeds and great quests; a world in which even a misfit might become a hero"

[edit] External links

v • d • e
The Obernewtyn Chronicles By Isobelle Carmody