伊卡伯格 (2020)

The Ickabog is a fairy tale by J. K. Rowling. The story was published in installments by Rowling online, before its official publication in November 2020. The Ickabog is Rowling's first children's book since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was published in 2007. Upon release the book received generally positive critical reviews and emerged a bestseller.

Background and release

The Ickabog is aimed at children between the ages of seven and nine. It is the first children's book written by J. K. Rowling that is not set in the Harry Potter universe, and at its announcement, Rowling confirmed that The Ickabog would not be a Harry Potter spin-off. Rowling has described the book as a "political fairytale ... for slightly younger children". Rowling first drafted The Ickabog between 2003 and 2007, as a gift for her children. She intended to publish The Ickabog after the Harry Potter series, but stopped after focusing on adult fiction instead. She left her script of The Ickabog in her attic until 2020. Rowling says that she went to her 50th birthday party wearing a dress containing the "lost manuscript" of The Ickabog. Rowling has made some adjustments to her original manuscript after feedback from her children.

Rowling announced that she would release the book online in 3 free online daily installments between 26 May and 10 July 2020. Rowling said, "I’ve decided to publish The Ickabog for free online, so children on lockdown, or even those back at school during these strange, unsettling times, can read it or have it read to them." The first two chapters were released on 26 May 2020. Later, chapters three to five were published on 27 May 2020. The final chapter, 6, was published on 10 July 2020. In the first 24 hours, The Ickabog website had more than 5 million views from 50 countries.

The Ickabog was released as a published book, e-book and audiobook on 10 November 2020, and is no longer available for free reading online. Rowling has said that she will donate her royalties from the book to charity.

Setting

The Ickabog is set in the mythical land of Cornucopia, which is ruled by King Fred the Fearless. However, the peace of the kingdom is threatened by the existence of a terrifying monster known as the Ickabog. This creature is said to inhabit the treacherous marshes of the North and is believed to prey on unsuspecting sheep and people who venture into its territory. The Ickabog's legend is used to scare children into obedience and explain the disappearance of those who dare to explore the marshes.

Cornucopia is a land divided into two regions, with the South being a prosperous area that boasts several cities specializing in different types of food. Chouxville is famous for its delectable pastries, while Kurdsburg is renowned for its mouth-watering cheeses. Baronstown specializes in succulent meats, and Jeroboam is celebrated for its fine wine. Each city has its unique cuisine, and the people of Cornucopia take great pride in their culinary creations.

In contrast, the Marshlands are a less wealthy area located in the North of Cornucopia. The Marshlands are a desolate and dangerous place where the Ickabog is said to roam free. The people who live there are often forgotten by the rulers of the kingdom, and they struggle to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The story of "The Ickabog" is a tale of adventure, courage, and the power of unity in the face of adversity. The people of Cornucopia must come together to overcome the challenges they face and protect their kingdom from the threat of the Ickabog.

Plot

On the eve of a visit from the king of a neighboring country, Dora Dovetail dies of overwork while trying to finish King Fred's latest costume. Fred, despite feeling embarrassed and guilty, declines to visit her family, leading them to become disillusioned with him, especially Dora's daughter, Daisy. This leads to a fight between Daisy and her friend Bert Beamish, Major Beamish's son, when Daisy insults Fred.

A shepherd from the Marshlands begs Fred to rid the country of the Ickabog, and Fred, wishing to prove himself, agrees and rides north. An accident in the marshes results in Beamish getting fatally shot by Flapoon, one of Fred's corrupt advisors. Seeking to take control of the kingdom and become richer, Spittleworth, Flapoon's ally, pretends that Beamish was killed by the Ickabog.

On their return, three soldiers and Herringbone, the Chief Advisor, object to the story. Herringbone is murdered and the three soldiers are imprisoned. A heavy tax is imposed to pay for an "Ickabog Defense Brigade", causing widespread poverty, which Fred is oblivious to. Spittleworth, now Chief Advisor, has the Dovetails kidnapped, with Dan Dovetail sent to prison, and forced to carve Ickabog feet. Daisy ends up in the brutal Ma Grunter's orphanage, where she befriends Martha, a Marshlander.

Years pass, with the tax doubling. Bert and his mother Bertha, the king's head pastry chef, guess Spittleworth's plot after Bert discovers an Ickabog foot made by the now insane Dan. Bertha attempts to reveal the plot to Fred but is imprisoned in the dungeons. Bert escapes the city as Major Roach leads soldiers to arrest him. Bert later meets Roderick Roach, Major Roach's son, who tells him that Spittleworth killed his father and imprisoned his family. The two are captured by Basher John, Ma Grunter's henchman, and taken to the orphanage, where Bert reunites with Daisy and meets Martha. Meanwhile, Bertha transforms the dungeon into a kitchen with the help of the prisoners, while helping Dan regain his sanity.