The Lives of Christopher Chant facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Diana Wynne Jones |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | Chrestomanci |
| Genre | Children's fantasy novel |
| Publisher | Methuen |
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Publication date
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August 1988 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 240 pp (first edition) |
| ISBN | 978-0-416-10742-5 |
| OCLC | 59201437 |
| Preceded by | Witch Week |
| Followed by | Mixed Magics |
The Lives of Christopher Chant is an exciting fantasy novel for young readers. It was written by the British author Diana Wynne Jones and first published in 1988. This book is the fourth in the popular Chrestomanci series.
The Chrestomanci books are named after a very powerful magician. This magician, called the Chrestomanci, is a British government official. Their job is to make sure magic is used properly and safely. The Lives of Christopher Chant tells the story of Christopher's younger years. He grows up to become the Chrestomanci in many of the other books.
Contents
Exploring the Worlds of Chrestomanci
The Chrestomanci stories take place in a multiverse. This means there are many different worlds that exist side-by-side. Christopher calls these worlds "Anywheres." These worlds split off from each other at important moments in history. For example, some worlds might have different outcomes for famous battles.
Some people can travel between these worlds. There are twelve main groups of similar worlds. World 12A is where the Chrestomanci lives in England. Our own world is called 12B.
What Happens in the Story?
This novel follows Christopher Chant's childhood adventures. Both of his parents are powerful magic users. His father is an enchanter, which is the strongest type of magic user. He is very focused on his magical work. Christopher's mother is a sorceress, the second strongest type. She cares a lot about her social life.
Christopher's only escape is through his dreams. In his dreams, he can travel to other worlds. He is very good at this, better than almost anyone else. He can even bring things back from these "spirit trips." This special ability makes him very useful to his Uncle Ralph.
Uncle Ralph is a clever businessman with a secret. He uses Christopher's talent for his own gain. He makes Christopher go on "experiments" to test his skills. But these trips are really to get illegal magical items. These items, like mermaid meat or dragon's blood, are sold for high prices. Christopher is joined by a guide named Tacroy on these trips.
Meanwhile, Christopher's parents separate. His father loses a lot of money. Christopher is sent to a boarding school. He struggles with magic lessons there. He dreams of becoming a famous cricket player instead.
However, his father has other plans. He takes Christopher out of school. He brings him to an old magic expert, Dr. Pawson. Dr. Pawson discovers why Christopher is bad at magic. It's because of a silver coin his uncle gave him. When Christopher touches silver, he loses his magic. But without silver, his magic is incredibly strong. After this discovery, Christopher is sent to Chrestomanci Castle. There, he is trained to become the next Chrestomanci.
Different Worlds in the Book
The book mentions twelve main groups of worlds. Not much is said about each one. But worlds 5, 6, 8, and 9 are briefly described.
- World 5 is full of islands and mermaids.
- World 6 is covered in ice.
- World 8 is a bleak and stony place.
- World 9 is known as a good place to find hot chocolate.
Who Are the Main Characters?
Christopher Chant: The Future Chrestomanci
Christopher is the main character of the book. He comes from a rich family. He is usually kind and polite. But he can sometimes be moody or rude.
Christopher discovers he is the next Chrestomanci in a strange way. His best friend accidentally hits him with a cricket bat. Christopher is pronounced dead, but then he wakes up. His father realizes Christopher has more than one life. He contacts Dr. Pawson, a magic expert. Christopher is upset because he has to leave school for magic lessons. He learns his magic is amazing, as long as he avoids silver.
After many lessons, he moves to Chrestomanci Castle. He is unhappy there at first. His only friends are a cat named Throgmorten and his spirit guide, Tacroy.
The Living Asheth / Millie: A Goddess on the Run
The Living Asheth is a young girl. She is worshipped as a goddess in another world. She is also an enchantress. Christopher first meets her when he travels to her world. He is looking for a living animal for his uncle. The Goddess trades him a grumpy cat, Throgmorten, for books from Christopher's world. She is not allowed to touch anything from her own world that isn't sacred. Christopher brings her books about a girl named "Millie" at a boarding school.
The Goddess learns she is meant to die when she gets older. A new Living Asheth will take her place. So, she runs away to Christopher's world. She uses the name "Millie" from the books. She lives like a normal, wealthy girl. Later in the series, Millie becomes Christopher's wife.
Tacroy / Mordecai Roberts: The Helpful Guide
Tacroy is the spirit traveler hired by Uncle Ralph. He helps Christopher on his trips between worlds. Tacroy is a friendly man. He is also a legendary cricket player at the Castle. He has a soft spot for Miss Rosalie, a worker there. Tacroy comes from Series Eleven, where people have different ideas about right and wrong. He works as a spy.
Tacroy always travels with Christopher. While his body rests, his spirit helps Christopher. Tacroy brings joy to Christopher at the Castle. But he is caught trying to smuggle items for a secret group called the Wraith. He is put in prison. Christopher helps him get out later. Tacroy is eventually freed and pardoned by the Chrestomanci. It is hinted that Tacroy and Miss Rosalie get married later.
Uncle Ralph: The Secret Villain
Uncle Ralph is Christopher's beloved uncle. But he is also the main villain of the book. Uncle Ralph leads the Wraith. This is a secret group that sells illegal magical goods. When Christopher was born, his father learned that silver could harm Christopher. He was wary of Uncle Ralph because his last name is Argent, which means silver.
Uncle Ralph is Christopher's mother's brother. He pretended to help his sister when her husband lost money. Christopher loved him at first. But he grew distant when he learned Uncle Ralph's true identity. Throgmorten the cat strongly dislikes him. Uncle Ralph had planned to harm Throgmorten for his parts. Uncle Ralph is a ruthless millionaire.
Awards and Recognition
The Lives of Christopher Chant was recognized for its quality. It was commended for the 1988 Carnegie Medal.
Images for kids
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First edition cover
