This is the Charles de Lint book that everyone always seems to have read, so I figured it was time for me to get around to it. I have to say that I am really glad I did! I am such a fantasy nerd. I read a lot of other stuff, but I could only read fantasy novels and be the happiest person in the world. I am not sure what it is, maybe just a desire for this world we live in to be more than it is? I have always had a pretty over-active imagination, and fantasy novels have always seemed to fit my ideals. The characters in this book just take my imagination one step further and actually get to live in their worlds. I think that is why I read fantasy, to be truthful, because I want to believe that these things are possible and that there is more to the world that you cannot always see.
Anyways, in this book we have Jilly, who is totally my kind of character. Great English, huh? I didn't have an ideal childhood, so I generally can relate to characters like her. Even if our lives have turned out differently, there are still some things that are at the core the same. Jilly was really fun to read about. Even though she is "The Broken Girl", she is not boring in the slightest. She is vibrant and her character really comes through the pages so that you feel like you know her. That is a mark of both a good writer and a good character. While there are lots of other characters in this book, I find Jilly to be my favourite. She appears in other de Lint books, so I look forward to visiting with her again.
I am not going to rehash the plot because I see this book reviewed quite a bit. I will just say that I really liked this book and that I recommend it. I really should've been getting through my de Lint pile long ago, but I just never seemed to get there. Now I feel like I need to add to it, but I am trying not to buy books... I am sure I will read at least one more de Lint book this year, and I strongly recommend other people do the same.
Other Reviews:
Reading Adventures
Anyone else?
I'm glad you enjoyed this one.I am definitely planning to read more of this series.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I considered reading another book by him right afterwards, but I think I will wait and put a couple books in-between.
ReplyDeleteI read fantasy for the exact same reasons that you've stated here. :) I've only read one de Lint book previously, but am meaning to read more - I'll be adding this book to my list. Thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is on my 'to get' list, I have read a few of his other books and love them!
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad you enjoyed this. I am hoping to get to Widdershins at some point which follows on from this story. I have only read a couple of his books but he is already in my top 5 favourite authors.
ReplyDeleteI would like to move onto Widdershins, but it is one of the few de Lint books that my library doesn't have, so I am going back to Dreams Underfoot and working my way through the series.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this one, but for the Once Upon a Time Challenge I read Memory and Dream by de Lint. It was so super good!! I loved it!! And Jilly was there for a little appearence!!
ReplyDeleteI really hope you like The Host. I'm going to feel bad if you don't. But seriously, it's the best book I've read all year!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds wonderful! I'm going to add it to my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteI'm on the outside looking in because I have yet to read it. Though it feels like I have since I've read the sequel, Widdershins...and freakin' loved it!!!
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend it, and soon!