Castle Waiting by Linda Medley

Books Completed: 41
Completion Date: February, 2009
Pages: 472
Publication Date: May 31, 2006

Reason for Reading: Graphic Novel Challenge

The 450-page Castle Waiting graphic novel tells the story of an isolated, abandoned castle and the eccentric inhabitants who bring it back to life. This fable for modern times is a fairy tale that's not about rescuing the princess, saving the kingdom or fighting the ultimate war between Good and Evil, but about being a hero in your own home.

Lavishly crafted in a classic visual style, Castle Waiting is a domain where fairy tales, nursery rhymes and folklore blend to tell the story of everyday lives of fantastic people.

The multiple Harvey and Eisner Award-winning story is now collected in one volume.

This is a graphic novel that has been on my wish list for a while. Thanks to the library I finally got a chance to read it! It was a great read, too. I think I would have liked it more if I hadn't read Fables recently, though. It is a blending of fairy tales and other tales, like Fables, but without the amazing art and the long-winded story. So, while I enjoyed it, I think it dulled in comparision. I am going to be honest. I haven't been up to writing reviews lately, so I already brought this book back to the library. That was actually a very bad idea because I am finding it hard to collect my thoughts.

When the story begins it is like a retelling of Sleeping Beauty. A local witch has been snubbed and dooms the princess to prick her finger on a spindle and sleep for 100 hundred years. That's how the conventional story goes, but what happens to the castle after the princess has married her handsome prince and rode off into the moonlight. Those that survived are left with no one to serve. This story is essential about what it is like after the princess has left. The castle has been essential left for Lady Jain to come looking for shelter. Upon arriving at the castle, the pregnant lady meets a wonderful cast of characters. While the story is centred in older tales, it feels very fresh. The art is line work, but it is wonderfully done. I found myself quite enjoying the characters and listening to their stories. Everyone has one, and they are shared within these illustrated pages.

My only problem with the book is that it didn't feel like it was the end. There were still some loose ends that I felt were set up to be tied up, but were never actually done so. I was left with several questions upon completion. I thought there might be a sequel, but I haven't seen anything about one. Other than the ending, though, it was a really good tale. I am glad that I saw recommendations around the blogosphere and took the time to read it! Another recommended read!