Title: Easter: McEaster Valley
Author: Walter R. Hoge, DVM
Publisher: Mainspring Books
ISBN: 978-1958434727
Pages: 70
Genre: Fantasy
Review by: Barbara Bamberger Scott
Pacific Book Review
Author Walter R. Hoge, DVM presents a vivid fantasy in his novel, Easter: McEaster Valley, which could, for some, be seen as a reality, when he tells of leaving the recognizable earthly realm and entering a mystical land guided by eternal verities.
Walking with his dog Beau in the Sierra Foothills, Hoge (styled as the story’s first-person narrator) is amazed at the view of a valley that seems to be shimmering with golden light. He and Beau stop at an overlook where the narrator experiences “a sense of euphoria,” causing him to begin running joyfully – until he falls into a briar patch. Lost and with no chance of help, he falls into sleep. He is awakened by a bearded, wrinkled old fellow who welcomes him to “our valley,” taking him on an enthralling journey. They pass through a tunnel in the mountains, carrying on cheerful conversation, until they reach an old farmhouse seemingly dug out of the mountainside, where little elderly lady awaits. She puts the author entirely at ease and serves a delicious meal. The author sleeps well, and the next day is guided by the old gent to visit laboratories where candy and toys are being manufactured by other elderly, perhaps ancient beings, displaying bright smiles and spry movements as they do their work. The author gradually suspects he is meant to be in their hidden valley. With a background in science, he imagines he could assist in the tasks being performed – though some are mysterious indeed, using such “tools” as heavenly lights, transformed into colors and then into paints for decorating toys, while a myriad of glowing insects provide milk to transform into sugar to make candy. He wonders, “How can I have been so lucky” as to make this amazing visit. Then his companion informs him that he can choose to stay perpetually in the valley and indulge in work for all mankind. Not long afterwards, the narrator awakens, exactly where he fell only three hours before in earth time, with Beau at his side.
Hoge, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, looks back in the closing pages of this charmingly illustrated tale at what his narrator saw and felt and what it could mean for others. He realizes that the work of the valley inhabitants was focused on humans’ Easter celebrations and ponders the prospect of someday returning to join in their efforts, and enjoy a pleasant, perhaps perfect, eternal existence. The totality provides readers with a metaphor regarding how even one’s earthly life can be devoted to good deeds and genuine satisfaction.
Hoge’s book is styled for readers from young adults to old fogies, providing them enjoyable fodder for conversation and contemplation. Easter: McEaster Valley is surely a book which will shed new light on not only having the Easter Bunny as its’ only mascot. This book is the perfect read for the Easter season or any time of the year when a story about kindness, community, and celebration is needed. This book is recommended for families looking to share a joyful and meaningful story with their children.
