Stardust by Neil Gaiman Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Stardust
Book Review: (4.5 stars) An entirly charming puzzle of a Victorian fairy tale
Summary: 5 Stars
I will admit to re-reading "stardust" pretty much for the sole reason that a movie version of it is coming out soon. The first time I read it, and liked it, but I never saw it as an especially spectacular book.
However that could very well have been the intent of the author. "Stardust" is a true Victorian fairytale (with just the smallest sex scene thrown in) and like most Victorian novels I've read, it is more of a journey than a story with a huge explosive conflict and ending. This book is more like a puzzle, you get bits of information as you read that you must file away carefully for later because eventually they will form one cohesive picture and you will think, "Ah! So that's why...."
The writing is charming, in the illustrated versions the pictures are charming and the plot is charming. Over all, this is a very charming little book (though it has the potential to make a very epic movie, a la `Lord of the Rings' with some minor adjustments.)
Four point five stars.
Book Review: A Beautiful Fairy Tale
Summary: 5 Stars
"There was once a young man who wished to gain his Heart's Desire. And while that is, as beginnings go, not entirely novel (for every tale about every young man that ever was or will be could start in a similar manner) there was much about this young man and what happened to him that was unusual, although even he never knew the whole of it."
And so opens the beginning of this beautiful tale. At the turn of the Victorian era, in the English countryside, there was a town called Wall. It was named as such for the stone wall that was built to divide the city from the land of Faerie. Once every 9 years, a magical fair took place in the meadow outside Wall. It was the only time people were allowed outside the gap.
Young Tristran Thorn wanted only one thing. He wanted the love of the beautiful, but rather shallow, Victoria Forrester. As he was walking her home one night, they saw a falling star. Tristran told Victoria he would bring her that star if she gave him his "heart's desire". And Victoria, thinking how foolish Tristran was, agreed.
So with a pack on his back, Tristran sets off in the land of Faerie looking for the star. But he is not the only one looking. The witches of Lilim need the heart of the star to regain their youth. And the Lords of Stronghold are looking for the star in hopes of gaining the right to rule the land of Stronghold.
This book is magical. Set in the land of faerie, we encounter unicorns and talking trees; witches and goblins; pixies and stars. Stardust is beautiful in it's simplicity and it's lyrical prose. I can't believe I waited so long to read it! The characters are unique and full of life. They were written with such a vividness that I can picture each and every one. If you haven't read this wonderful little fairy tale, you should. It will have you believing in magic and happily ever afters again!
Book Review: A Good fairtytale
Summary: 3 Stars
I picked up this book, like many others, because I saw the movie preview. When I can, I prefer to read the book before I see the movie. Also, I had heard a lot about this author and was interested in checking him out.
The book takes place in the town of Wall, England. One evening Tristan Thorn is walking his "crush" Victoria Forrester home. After being rebuffed Tristan asks "If I bring back that falling star, may I have anything my heart desires?" Victoria, believing that Tristan won't act on this says "Sure". The next day Tristan heads off through the gap into the magical world of Faerie on a search for the fallen star. Thus the journey begins....
I enjoyed the fairytale story and I thought that Tristan was a well developed character. However, I would not classify this as an adult fairytale - rather I'd put it in the young adult/teenage section. I felt the story could have been developed more and I was not overly impressed with Gaiman's writing style. That said, I'd be interested to read more of his stuff and I certainly am still interested in seeing the movie.
Book Review: A Great Modern Fairy Tale
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm familiar with Gaiman's work, but this was the first of his solo novels I've read (I read Good Omens, which he did with Terry Pratchett) and I was pleasently surprised.
I saw the film version first and was surprised (well, not really) to find that the film version differs greatly from the book. But both are enjoyable in their own ways (I have a feeling the changes for the film were made to cater to the American audience).
I highly recommend this book, it has a great mix of humor, myth, and fairy tale fun.
Book Review: A True Fairy Tale
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a most delightful book. I loved the setting and the characters are very interesting, especially the Lords of Stormhold. I hope Gaiman writes more about the town of Wall and the lovely inhabitants of Fairy.