The Lives of Chrestomanci: Charmed Life by Diana Wynne Jones (Book 1)Completion Date: March 28, 2011
Reason for Reading: Once Upon a Time V challenge
A bewitching comic fantasy by a master of the supernatural Cat doesn't mind living in the shadow of his sister, Gwendolen, the most promising young witch ever seen on Coven Street. But trouble starts brewing the moment the two orphans are summoned to live in Chrestomanci Castle. Frustrated that the witches of the castle refuse to acknowledge her talents, Gwendolen conjures up a scheme that could throw whole worlds out of whack.
For the Once Upon a Time Challenge this year, I wanted to make sure to read at least one book by Diana Wynne Jones. Then, she passed away and it become more of a tribute to her that I was finally going to accomplish reading a bunch of her back list and posting about them. On the one hand, I am sad it takes me so long to read books by her, but on the other hand I am glad I still have so many books by her to look forward to in the future. Charmed Life is my first foray back into her magical worlds.
Now, after that rather long intro, I should maybe talk about the book itself. It is the first book in a longer series, so that means that I have of course started another series. The main character is a little boy called Cat. His real name is Eric, but his origins for his nickname are explained later in the book. The book centers around him and by association, his sister Gwendolen. I just noticed that on the back of the book they spell her name 'Gwendolyn', but throughout they spell it 'Gwendolen'. Anyway, Cat and Gwendolen survive a terrible boat crash, but their parents are not so lucky. After living with a woman named Mrs. Sharp for a time, they are adopted the Chrestomanci and taken to be raised with his family. They are an entertaining assortment, which you will learn if you read the book.
Gwendolen is the one that puts things in motion to move, but Cat is hesitant to leave the place that he knows. He always goes along with his sister, though, and so finds himself transported to a very different world than the one that he knows. Sometimes young narrators bother me and take away from my interest in the book, but even though Cat has his moments, he didn't really bother me that much. I think Gwendolen was the more annoying character, but I also thought it would be interesting to hear her side of things. This book was basically a lot of fun. The antics that Gwendolen gets up to are entertaining. And, the progression of the story works rather well. I find I do not really want to say much more because I do not want to destroy the magic of the story for anyone else.
So, I will just say that I enjoyed this book, look forward to reading the next book in the series, and recommend that you give it a read if you have not had the chance.
This counts for the Once Upon a Time Challenge V.
Series:
I have no idea. This is the first published book, but there is talk that you should read others first...
Feel free to chime in with a reading order in the comments! I think I actually meant to read this book second, but forgot when I requested something by her from the library...
I always vote for published order, mostly because I love Charmed Life the best and that's the one that got me into DWJ's books in the first place. But other people love Lives of Christopher Chant best, and since that's the one that starts the internal chronological order they recommend reading the series that way.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it actually particularly matters which order you read the series in because each book is its own contained story-- there isn't any direct plot continuation from one to the other. You won't get lost if you skip from one book to another. :D
Anastasia: Yes, that's the one I was told to read first, Lives of Christopher Chant. I had it out from the library before, but never got a chance to read it. Glad to hear there is no particular order, though, because I am reading them through the library and might just read them as they come in. :)
ReplyDeletei just finished reading this and really liked it. I thought the story was very unique, and I liked the surprising twists. Also (possible spoiler), I wonder if J K Rowling took inspiration from this book to create the horcruxes...
ReplyDeleteI am not the boss of your life, but I recommend reading The Lives of Christopher Chant next, and then Conrad's Fate, and then you can read the other ones just as you please. That is my opinion. Witch Week is really good, so maybe save it for last?
ReplyDelete*valentina: That's a good question... Having not actually finished the Harry Potter series, I can't say much on that...
ReplyDelete*Jenny: Okay. I will put Conrad's Fate on my TBR until The Lives of Christopher Chant comes in. :)
Here's what I posted in my blog a couple of years back before I read The Pinhoe Egg: The Lives of Christopher Chant. Conrad's Fate. Charmed Life. Then either The Magicians of Caprona or Witch Week. Then go to Mixed Magics which is composed of short stories in relation to the previously released Chrestomanci titles.
ReplyDeleteI read them according to the year of release. I enjoyed it just the same. I think it's fun to read it chronologically. Which I should do.
The Pinhoe Egg is a Cat story so it should be read after Charmed Life (at least to get a background on Cat).
As for JK Rowling, I think one of the sites for DWJ had her quoting something to the effect that Rowling must've read her when the HP author was younger.
Have fun reading DWJ! Let's all look forward to her yet to be published book! Let's celebrate the life she wonderfully lived by sharing her stories! Yay!
I haven't yet read Fire and Hemlock but have been meaning to for ages and ages... (same goes for Black Maria). Reading a Diana Wynne Jones Book kind of feels like you're going home, to some place familiar but exciting and wonderful.
ReplyDelete--Sharry
It doesn't really matter what order you read the books in as, as others have said, they're all self-contained stories. Some have small references to the others, sure, but there's no place a lack of knowledge would negatively affect the story.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it, though! "Charmed Life" was my first Chrestomanci book too.
I'm glad you enjoyed this one too! And I'd also advocate reading The Lives of Christopher Chant next.
ReplyDeleteWhen I got this from the library, it came in an omnibus w Lives of Christopher Chant. I read them back to back and loved them both, but Christopher Chant was definitely my favourite! Now I need to read the rest. ;)
ReplyDeleteI love DWJ! I read this one to my kids a year or two back, and we all enjoyed it. I will make one of my OUAT reads a Diana Wynne Jones novel, too, just to keep spreading the word about what a marvellous author she was. She will be missed. :-(
ReplyDeleteI started this one this week as well, really enjoying it so far!
ReplyDeleteThis was my first Chrestomanci book too (just last year!), then followed by The Lives of Christopher Chant (I read the same ommibus as Eva!).
ReplyDeleteThe order threw me slightly, but I think it worked - and I liked reading in the published order.
*Lightheaded: Good to know. Thanks!
ReplyDelete*Sharry: I know. It's a great feeling reading her books. :)
*libritouches: Charmed Life was a fun read. I look forward to more in the series. :)
*Charlotte: I have The Live of Christopher Chant out from the library, so I will probably head there soon. :)
*Eva: I saw the omnibus editions. That would have been convenient. :)
*Darla: She will be very missed. :(
*Darren: Glad you are enjoying it so far!
*Li: I think I will just go with Lives of Christopher Chant next, too.
I have Howl's Moving Castle checked out from the library. While I've never read this author, I've heard really good things and am looking forward to reading this book. Great review!
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