A Literary Criticism Of "Lucy the Lamb"
Lucy the lamb is a literary classic. Published in 1997 by Grandreams Limited and written by an unknown author it has become one of the most widely read and sought after books in the country. In this article I will endeavour to illustrate some of the beautiful imagery and the wonderful prose of this modern day masterpiece.

The story begins with the main character "Lucy" looking for shade on a hot summers day. The writer puts it beautifully:

"It is a sunny day on the farm and Lucy the Lamb is very hot in her thick, woolly coat."

The author sets the scene wonderfully here. We find out instantly that the day is a real scorcher. This is a problem for Lucy as she is a lamb and is covered in wool. This seems like a real problem for Lucy as she is likely to get very hot. But the author, fearless of being too controversial, not only creates a lamb with a woolly coat, but the coat is also "thick". This was a brave move by the writer, forcing home the idea that Lucy (the lamb) was an animal covered by a hot, thick coat of wool.

We now move onto the next page where we see some cows hogging the shade under the tree.

"Lucy looks for shade under the oak tree, but some cows had the same idea. Poor Lucy! She's so hot and there doesn't seem to be any shade anywhere."

To understand this passage we have to attempt to understand the author. Unfortunately we know very little about the author of "Lucy the Lamb". But I feel that this passage shows much more than the author's simple dislike of cows, I feel that this runs deeper, I think it may be showing his dislike of his partner's job. It seems as if the writer of this book is feeling claustrophobic concerning his job. Although his job, writing books such as "Lucy the Lamb" gives him much "time in the sun" (the fame! the fortune!) he is feeling frustrated, he desires a rest. But there is nowhere to go. His wife (who he resents and considers to be "a cow") is taking up all the shade under the tree. This fuller understanding of the author will help us as we slowly move through the book.

"She stands under a tiny tree, but that doesn't help."

You know what they say, tiny tree...

"Just when Lucy thinks she'll swelter in her woolly coat, Penny the puppy scampers up to her."

I feel this shows the true sadness of the author. Unable to even talk to the cows under the tree he has to turn to Penny, a young dog for help.

""Lucy, come quick!" she yaps. "The sprinklers are on in the field." Penny leads Lucy through the farmyard towards the potato field."

Here the author shows how disillusioned he is with his relationship. He is easily led on by Penny (the young dog).

"Lucy and Penny run in and out of the sprinkling water. Lucy is cool now."

The author, who has run off with some crazy bint. "is cool now". The writer feels justified in running of with the dog.

""This is great fun!" laughs Lucy. "The cows can keep their trees!""

Although the author has now left all the cows behind. HE STILL FEELS RESENTMENT!

And the morale of the story. Well I haven't worked that out yet. Perhaps it is that you shouldn't read into a book that much, or perhaps it is that you shouldn't write an article at 1.30 in the morning.

If you want to write to the people that wrote this book then the address is:

Grandreams Limited,
435-437 Edgware Road,
Little Venice,
London,
W2 1TH

Lucy the Lamb, Danny the Duckling, Percy the Piglet, Katy the Kitten, Cathy the Calf and Patch the Puppy are available in a six book set from Poundland, Exeter.




Article written by Steve G