What do you think?
Rate this book
The Tears of the Salamander
The magical salamanders live in the fiery heart of the volcano. When they weep, their tears heal any illness, any wound.
Alfredo wears a tiny golden salamander round his neck. It is a strange gift from a mysterious uncle he has never met. An uncle who bursts suddenly into Alfredo's life and snatches him away to his isolated home on the slopes of Mount Etna. Here, with the molten fury of the volcano beneath his feet, Alfredo discovers his own astonishing power to speak to the salamanders and cause their precious tears to fall. And begins to understand the terrifying destiny that Uncle Giorgio has always planned for him...
Alfredo wears a tiny golden salamander round his neck. It is a strange gift from a mysterious uncle he has never met. An uncle who bursts suddenly into Alfredo's life and snatches him away to his isolated home on the slopes of Mount Etna. Here, with the molten fury of the volcano beneath his feet, Alfredo discovers his own astonishing power to speak to the salamanders and cause their precious tears to fall. And begins to understand the terrifying destiny that Uncle Giorgio has always planned for him...
233 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
8 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Peter Dickinson
141 books152 followersPeter Malcolm de Brissac Dickinson OBE FRSL was a prolific English author and poet, best known for children's books and detective stories.
Peter Dickinson lived in Hampshire with his second wife, author Robin McKinley. He wrote more than fifty novels for adults and young readers. He won both the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Children's Award twice, and his novel The Blue Hawk won The Guardian Award in 1975.
Peter Dickinson lived in Hampshire with his second wife, author Robin McKinley. He wrote more than fifty novels for adults and young readers. He won both the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Children's Award twice, and his novel The Blue Hawk won The Guardian Award in 1975.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 12, 2009
I'm not sure why salamanders live in lava in the mountains, and even less why they sing and weep tears that heal, but it really is a good story. Alfredo learns that his uncle is trying to use him and maybe kill him. He develops a plan.... It is a well written intriguing story.
April 7, 2011
True confession: part of my collection development job in the children's library is to periodically run a list of things that haven't been checked out in several years and decide if they're worth keeping (the library is simply not big enough to keep everything forever - the shelves are PACKED). Some things are easy to get rid of (falling apart, dated, obscure), others are easy to keep (authors or titles I know and love) and still others fall into the middle. How do I decide if it's worth keeping? This one fell into that category, and here's the confession part - I checked it out to myself, knowing that would take it off the list for a few more years. And if I check something out, I have to read it. I do this sometimes - little book rescues. Usually it's with those titles that I know I liked as a kid, but I'd never actually read any Peter Dickinson before this. But I thought I'd give him a try, mostly on the basis that he's married to Robin McKinley, of my Favorite Ever Authors.
The results were mixed - it's a slow story to get into, set in southern Italy some unspecified historical period, with a main character who's interesting but not particularly distinct apart from his passion for music. The writing is evocative but never lets you get too close to things - accomplished but not gripping. The plot was compelling and the quality of the magic tied in nicely with the setting. I might recommend it to fantasy readers who enjoy setting and mood more than characters - but I wouldn't fight to keep it in the collection if no one else checks it out in the next three years.
Source: my library
The results were mixed - it's a slow story to get into, set in southern Italy some unspecified historical period, with a main character who's interesting but not particularly distinct apart from his passion for music. The writing is evocative but never lets you get too close to things - accomplished but not gripping. The plot was compelling and the quality of the magic tied in nicely with the setting. I might recommend it to fantasy readers who enjoy setting and mood more than characters - but I wouldn't fight to keep it in the collection if no one else checks it out in the next three years.
Source: my library
November 2, 2011
Book Review
Tears of the Salamander
Tears of the Salamander is a great book that i just finished. The book is about a boy and his family and his dad is a baker. The boy named Alfredo is a choirboy in the eighteenth century in Italy. His family is early lost in a fire at there home and he thinks he is on his own. His long lost uncle, Giorgio takes him away at just the right moment and bring him far away to where he lives on the mountain. He later learns about what powers he has and how powerful he is and shall one day control the mountain but I don’t want to give to much away.
In my opinion this is a great book. At first its very odd but you start to get attached to the book and want to read it more. The story is very odd and was vey fun to read. It was very different from any other book I have ever read. The style of the writing is very good and enjoyable to reed. The book didn’t really move me but it was a very good book to read and very enjoyable.
If I had to rate this book out of 5 stars I would give it a 4. That is my honest opinion about the book and I really liked it. You you want a nice enjoyable book to read I would highly recommend this book to anyone. The reason I rated this so high is because the way the author wrote the book was very good and a very enjoyable story to read.
Brandon Johnson
Tears of the Salamander
Tears of the Salamander is a great book that i just finished. The book is about a boy and his family and his dad is a baker. The boy named Alfredo is a choirboy in the eighteenth century in Italy. His family is early lost in a fire at there home and he thinks he is on his own. His long lost uncle, Giorgio takes him away at just the right moment and bring him far away to where he lives on the mountain. He later learns about what powers he has and how powerful he is and shall one day control the mountain but I don’t want to give to much away.
In my opinion this is a great book. At first its very odd but you start to get attached to the book and want to read it more. The story is very odd and was vey fun to read. It was very different from any other book I have ever read. The style of the writing is very good and enjoyable to reed. The book didn’t really move me but it was a very good book to read and very enjoyable.
If I had to rate this book out of 5 stars I would give it a 4. That is my honest opinion about the book and I really liked it. You you want a nice enjoyable book to read I would highly recommend this book to anyone. The reason I rated this so high is because the way the author wrote the book was very good and a very enjoyable story to read.
Brandon Johnson
November 22, 2012
I really loved this book. The concept of salamanders controlling the element of fire, is not a new one, but it fit into this story nicely. I loved that the boys with good true hearts were able to trimuph over their uncle and father even though they were never trained to use their gifts and had to learn from him and each other what was right to do with their gift of singing and see that he was moving in the wrong direction with his gift. I flew through this novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2007
Formulaic and predictable, though well-written. A young man comes into his magical heritage, smites evildoers, & grows up. I'm not sure why he didn't rescue a princess, but perhaps there's going to be a sequel.
July 14, 2008
Salamanders, music, fire, and the Mountain. A story of disovery and the uses of power. Highly recommended.
April 30, 2018
A thrilling, exciting read.
I have read a few of Peter Dickinson's books now and intend to read them all if I can. The blurb on the front page of this book tells the reader that Mr Dickinson 'has won nearly every major literary award for his children's novels, which cover an astonishing diverse range of themes, subjects and genres'. Philip Pullman writes that he 'is one of the real masters of children's literature'.
I tend to agree. His works are richly imaginative and intriguing, I find, and I have no trouble reading with my inner child at my side!
Why then, when I examine the children's shelves at most bookshops, and children's libraries, do I rarely find any of his books? Very disappointed, always, when this happens. (Actually, the same with Michelle Paver's stunning Wolf Brother series featuring Torak and Renn - hardly ever see them).
I wonder if current flavour-of-the-month children's authors with massive promotion campaigns behind them, whose books flood the shelves at the chain bookshops, supermarkets etc, will last as long as the classics of children's literature? I'm not so sure!
I have read a few of Peter Dickinson's books now and intend to read them all if I can. The blurb on the front page of this book tells the reader that Mr Dickinson 'has won nearly every major literary award for his children's novels, which cover an astonishing diverse range of themes, subjects and genres'. Philip Pullman writes that he 'is one of the real masters of children's literature'.
I tend to agree. His works are richly imaginative and intriguing, I find, and I have no trouble reading with my inner child at my side!
Why then, when I examine the children's shelves at most bookshops, and children's libraries, do I rarely find any of his books? Very disappointed, always, when this happens. (Actually, the same with Michelle Paver's stunning Wolf Brother series featuring Torak and Renn - hardly ever see them).
I wonder if current flavour-of-the-month children's authors with massive promotion campaigns behind them, whose books flood the shelves at the chain bookshops, supermarkets etc, will last as long as the classics of children's literature? I'm not so sure!
February 22, 2018
This book had very interesting historical elements that I enjoyed. The story itself took a while before tension was built but it didn't disappoint. The setting descriptions were beautiful although I seemed a little lost in the middle.
December 26, 2021
What a weird book!
March 7, 2014
Such an amazing vision - magic and fire and anger and music, rising together like steam, like fire, like a symphony. Some parts of this book are truly haunting.
What's disappointing are some stumbles in the excecution; surprisingly, they detract quite a lot from this story (at least for me) because I kept imagining how high it could have really soared. For example, Dickenson writes in lovely prose, but often lacks restraint, and overexplains and overdescribes some things to the point where I felt my eyes glaze over. One of the most interesting parts of the book was how Dickenson infused old tropes with the power of his vision, but if he broke a little more free, the story could have been the more resonant for it.
Nontheless, this one's a lovely read that will set your mind on fire. Recomended to fans of the poetic side of fantasy, such as David Almond or even Margo Lanagan.
What's disappointing are some stumbles in the excecution; surprisingly, they detract quite a lot from this story (at least for me) because I kept imagining how high it could have really soared. For example, Dickenson writes in lovely prose, but often lacks restraint, and overexplains and overdescribes some things to the point where I felt my eyes glaze over. One of the most interesting parts of the book was how Dickenson infused old tropes with the power of his vision, but if he broke a little more free, the story could have been the more resonant for it.
Nontheless, this one's a lovely read that will set your mind on fire. Recomended to fans of the poetic side of fantasy, such as David Almond or even Margo Lanagan.
September 19, 2014
Interesting book. I usually like Dickinson and this was no exception, though I always have a bit more trouble than I anticipate actually relating to the characters. Still, I thought this was book was extremely well-written, if a bit over the head of most children I know who might pick it up. He writes very adult children's book - not in content so much as in style - and one really has to know what one is getting onesself into.
January 30, 2011
This was a very lonely sort of book. Due to the nature of the story, the protagonist is very isolated and there isn't much dialog. This makes for a spare sort of book. In addition, the story was almost painfully predictable. I had hoped for a twist that never came. It was a mildly entertaining story, and I did like the salamanders. But nothing special, and nothing I'll recommend or seek out again.
September 21, 2011
What intrigued me into buying this book was Dickinson's resume as a writer, as well as the storyline itself. I loved the setting, the use of music along with magic, and the concept of salamanders wielding supernatural gifts. This is a short book, but feels to me to be the perfect length. As a writer, Dickinson has a sophisticated style that is nonetheless palatable to young readers. And wow, what a resume!!
August 2, 2018
Overall, I would give The Tears of the Salamander 3 out of 5 stars as I did not feel like the book itself lived up to the intriguing premise. I think that younger readers may enjoy this book because of the plot and the simplicity of the writing but unfortunately this was not for me.
Full review on my blog
Full review on my blog
February 1, 2011
Alfredo spends his days in the cathedral's choir, with occasional days off to visit his family's bake shop. One day after his visit, the whole shop with his family inside burns to the ground. Alfredo is left alone in the world until his uncle Giorgio mysteriously shows up to rescue him from castration to preserve his voice. However, Uncle Giorgio may have even darker plans for Alfredo . . .
May 19, 2012
I wasn't really sure how I felt about this book until I got to the end. The story was different enough to keep me reading (I love stories set in far off places and this one is set in Italy) but not interesting enough to keep me reading for very long at any given time which is why it took me a week to get through.
December 16, 2009
Wierd, and a lot of the details are unclear. Apparently this is how speculative fiction for young people is supposed to be, because this is the third review today where I thought that the idea was good and the execution left something to be desired.
February 28, 2010
This book was intricately woven and fascinating for that, but where I was told that Alfredo (the main character) felt emotion, I didn't believe it for one minute. And without emotion the narrative fell flat for me.
July 5, 2012
12 yr old Alfred o has a wonderful singing voice, then tragically loses his family in a fire. His estranged Uncle Giangio comes to claim him since there is not other family. But things, are strange, mysterious as his uncle nears death. Uncle needs the tear of the salamander. Good
August 3, 2014
One of my most favorite books ever! Dickinson's simple writing drowns the reader in a world of adventure and intrigue. Loved reading it as a child and would definitely read it once more if I can get my hands on it
..Dickinson is truely a master of his pen...
..Dickinson is truely a master of his pen...
November 13, 2009
AWESOMEST BOOK EVER!
August 17, 2010
I read this position long time ago and i really liked it.
November 14, 2010
There were really awkqard elements and some really good ones. Its a sort of a queer but charming book. Its ok to read, i wouldnt unrecommend or recommend it.
January 4, 2011
A powerful tale of intrigue and hidden agenda's.
October 5, 2016
Read this a few years ago. Was good to re-read. I like Dickinson's imagination and style.
November 7, 2016
Simpatico libro per ragazzi. Ammetto che forse mi ha incuriosito più perchè è ambientato in Italia che per la storia in sè. Comunque più gradevole di altri della stessa collana.
December 7, 2007
Look at the book I found! I read it! I think it was good.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews