The Fantasists — John Lynch

This captivating and whimsical tale introduces three boys growing up in the Danish countryside: the narrator, Conrad, the squire's son; Christian, the parson's son; and Thomas, the cowherd. We share in the exuberant fantasies of Conrad and Christian, as they imagine heroic military exploits, journeys to exotic faraway lands and other adventures. Thomas's robust common sense punctures their make-believe, but, when Conrad and Christian leave home to study in Copenhagen, their fantasies assume new and extravagant forms. Will these young men prove equal to the demands of adult life? What role might romantic attachments play in this process? The Fantasists is a beautifully written tale, which points up both the dangers and the benefits of fantasy. Its undercurrent of mordant satire and an entertaining plot with many twists and turns will engage the reader from the opening scene.