It was okay. It was a nice departure from King's usual fare, and as a fantasy novel, it delivers a nice story with tension building throughout.
What waIt was okay. It was a nice departure from King's usual fare, and as a fantasy novel, it delivers a nice story with tension building throughout.
What was good:
• The fantasy setting. King doesn't get bogged down in world-building, but still his world is believable. It also has a bit of its own history that gets fleshed out, and that was nice to see. Its vaguely Medieval feel lets it feel right at home in the high fantasy genre. • The minor and supporting characters. They are interesting and nuanced. The villain is super creepy, even if some parts of him don't make sense. (He's super powerful and magical and demonic, yet he'll still follow their laws? A minor point. He's still a great villian.) Peter's friends have an intersting arc, too, and I enjoyed following their story. • The heroic dog. There's a dog, and some parts of the story are told from the canine perspective, which is amazing. Animal viewpoints, even in fantasy, are rare. All too often, they are either saccharine or too anthropomorphized. This felt real. • Themes of forgiveness. Characters make mistakes (except Peter) and grow from them. • Themes of courage. Often a must in fantasy novels, but difficult to do well. • It's memorable. Still thinking about it all this time later. • It's unique. I've never read anything quite like it.
What was bad:
• The plot. It's an incredibly simple story. This is disguised by the fact that it jumps around so much chronologically. It feels as though it's building to something that never happens. For a good long while, I thought that whole business with Peter being arrested for a crime and trying to clear his name was the setup for the book's main plot. Turns out, that's pretty much just the whole plot. • The tone. It feels like a children's tale. Nothing wrong with children's stories, except that this isn't meant for children. Marital sex (and impotence and a "flaccid penis") and rape and wife-beating and all sorts of things that usually aren't found in children's fantasy stories abound in this tale. Yet the narrator also talks directly to the reader in a folksy homey sort of way, kind of like the narrator in The Hobbit (which is, by contrast, an actual children's tale). • The content. This was gross. I mean, really super gross. Way too many references to bodily functions, especially (but not exclusively) "boogers." People keep having them, eating them, looking at them, and thinking of them. Even when mucous isn't involved in a scene, people keep talking about it. There's nothing like a little random mention of "boogers" to turn even the most mundane conversation inane. Is this a Stephen King thing? Are his other books like this? It felt weird and out of place here. Worse, there is a sad scene when Peter gets spat on by strangers. If I hadn't just read umpteen references of gratuitous, gross bodily functions by the time I reached that part of the story, I might have felt something a little more deeply in the scene where this stuff actually mattered. • Peter. Oh dear. He's the hero of the story, and I don't like him—not as a person, and not as a character. This made it hard to read the book, since he is the center of this relatively simple story. As a character, he is too perfect. He never does anything wrong. He instinctively knows things. He can out-reason or out-fight everyone else in the tale (except the main villain, at least at first). People he defeats are overcome with hero-worship for him. The wise, stern authority figure (who truly believes that Peter is a spoiled brat who murdered his father) still respects him, even reveres him, enough to donate money for bribes to get him luxuries in prison. People are falling over themselves telling each other how wonderful he is. And Peter, even as a young boy, still instinctively knows exactly what to say to sound wise and strong and dignified while still getting his own way. Granted, I liked Peter too at the beginning of the story. He reminded my of the heroic boy from the Narnia series (also named Peter) in that he was strong and wise and kingly. But this isn't as well-done as Narnia, nor is C. S. Lewis ever as preachy as Stephen King manages to be here. As for Peter (this Peter, not the Narnian one) as a person, well, the thing is that he *does* fall short. He may be a great son and wise ruler, but he is a lousy brother. He ignores his brother for much of their childhood, he doesn't notice his pain, and he doesn't try to engage him in any kind of meaningful conversation (so far as we know). In one scene, he wants his brother to join him for something nice. The brother doesn't understand, so Peter just leaves him out. He doesn't even try to connect with him or explain it to him. Full stop. And in the future, he doesn't even invite him. Sure, Peter may not have been evil-ambitious enough to overthrow the king, but neither was he humble or gentle or even kind enough to be close to someone he outranked. And in all Peter's years of imprisonment, he never seems to hold himself accountable for this. I'm not blaming Peter for his brother's sins, per se, but I do blame him for ignoring his brother's suffering all those years and for the role he played in isolating him. He left him vulnerable to be exploited. • The ending. Wow, what a cop-out! 'Nuff said....more
A satisfying installment in this series. I liked the way that the three main characters had a chance to interact more in this book than in previous inA satisfying installment in this series. I liked the way that the three main characters had a chance to interact more in this book than in previous installments. They were a team here, and that was nice. I am giving it four stars, not five, because I found the main antagonist to be a bit of a disappointment—although the protagonists are better than ever, so perhaps it balances out. A solid addition to the series....more
Unusual ghost story, with some interesting characters and a nice mystery tying it all together. I also appreciated the way that the house itself is p Unusual ghost story, with some interesting characters and a nice mystery tying it all together. I also appreciated the way that the house itself is practically a character in the story. The romance was a bit predictable, but it was still appealing. All in all, nicely done....more
What did I think? I loved it! Beautiful, melancholic, poignant, vast in scope—it was everything it needed to be.
Stuff it does well: • The first book wWhat did I think? I loved it! Beautiful, melancholic, poignant, vast in scope—it was everything it needed to be.
Stuff it does well: • The first book was an immigrant tale, too, but this, in many ways, does a stellar job of showing some of the long-term difficulties of making a home in a new land. The first book’s conflicts were more immediate, whereas this book shows more long-term issues, as well as the strain on families and children. • The timeline. The first book described some events that all happened in pretty short order. This book, however, takes many years to unfold. This gives Wecker a bit more latitude as she explores the characters' relationships over time. (It also gives her a chance to work in a few significant events from history . . . ) • Character development. Any sequel ought to expand the characters. It ought to let them grow a bit, and it should give the readers a chance to see these characters in a whole new light. This does that, not just with Chava and Ahmad, but with the supporting characters, too. • Historical detail. Some big events from the early 20th century are woven into this story, such as the sinking of Titanic and the tensions of WWI. Smaller details are worked in as well, little touches that add a great deal to the tale.
Stuff that disappoints: • Some of the conflict felt a little forced. Chava and Ahmad are a couple for much of this tale, but we never get to see them in a supportive relationship. They never feel like a team, they way there were in the first story. They argue all the time, and it’s about things that would be resolved easily if the characters would just talk to each other. These magical beings who never sleep spend hour after hour together every day but don’t ever talk about their feelings. I suppose it’s possible, but it just feels, well, contrived. I won’t give any spoilers here, but it does fall into that sequel trap of having minor problems become major for really no reason. There are genuine threats at different parts of the story, and the plot is sprinkled with some legit sorrowful and poignant moments, but there are also so many instances when the bad stuff gets dragged on too long, when if only Character A had told Character B about xyz, the whole thing could have been cleared up a lot sooner. • The epilogue. Again, no specific spoilers, but it’s very open-ended, and it raises a bunch of questions. Not sure it was necessary. I had the distinct impression she was trying to set things up for a third installment, although as far as I know, this is a duology.
Final thoughts: • The tone is great. It’s been a while since I read the first one, but I think this book’s style is a great match. It seems to blend seamlessly with its predecessor, and it picks up right where the first left off. • Different enough focus to justify itself. This isn’t just a re-hash. The first book told of the Golem and the Jinni coming to New York and making a life in a new country. It led up to an intense climax in which they had to face the main villain. This book, however, isn’t about a single life-changing event, such as arriving somewhere new. It’s about living with the consequences of such an event. In the first book, Chava and Ahmad needed to survive. Here, they need to find a way to live a meaningful life in a rapidly changing foreign land. There is no villain, no final showdown—just a handful of characters over the course of 15 years looking for meaning and purpose. It all leads to connection. Instead of building to a big life-and-death battle, the real climax of this story happen as the characters come together and watch out for each other. It’s a beautiful culmination of much of the novel’s conflict.
I don't quite know what to make of this one. I was torn between 3 and 4 stars, so I'm rounding up. It's atmospheric, but it's too short to do much witI don't quite know what to make of this one. I was torn between 3 and 4 stars, so I'm rounding up. It's atmospheric, but it's too short to do much with the characters. I guess I would have liked this one to be about 10 pages longer. Creepy, but not as powerful overall as I would have expected....more
First of all, if you haven’t read the blurb yet, don’t! Part of the charm here is trying to figure out who is time traveling and why. I am surprised aFirst of all, if you haven’t read the blurb yet, don’t! Part of the charm here is trying to figure out who is time traveling and why. I am surprised at the information, which unfolded so naturally in the story, being summarized so carelessly in the description. Okay, with that out of the way, on to my review.
This novel in stories tells of a special coffee shop that can send people through time. Each chapter focuses on a different time journey, but since the same characters put in appearances throughout, this book has remarkable versatility. It combines the rich characterization of a traditional novel with the intense focus of a collection of short stories. I was impressed with the nuances given to the characters, as well as with the realistic nature of their problems. This novel is sweet and sad and hopeful, just like real life. Don’t expect the magic to make all the problems go away. Just sit back, enjoy the journey, and don’t forget to read this with a nice hot cup of coffee....more
This series just keeps getting better and better. More suspense, more character development, more danger, more heroism—and a satisfying end to it all.This series just keeps getting better and better. More suspense, more character development, more danger, more heroism—and a satisfying end to it all. I know that there is a fourth book, but I can’t help but think that at one time, this one was intended to be the last.
This is a perfect mix of humor and pathos, of adventure and romance, and of marriage plus zombies. It lives up to the standards set by its predecessors, and then it goes even further. Lovely....more
There’s nothing like a zombie apocalypse to lend perspective to one’s marriage troubles. This book mixes humor, gore, and adventure to create a remarkThere’s nothing like a zombie apocalypse to lend perspective to one’s marriage troubles. This book mixes humor, gore, and adventure to create a remarkable story about a troubled marriage in the midst of the zombie plague. Quirky, irreverent, and suspenseful, this memorable tale keeps the suspense strong until its thoroughly satisfying conclusion....more
This author is really good at writing endings. I mean, she’s REALLY good at it. I’ve read a lot of stories where things are going along great, and theThis author is really good at writing endings. I mean, she’s REALLY good at it. I’ve read a lot of stories where things are going along great, and then they just kind of end. Or novels where it feels like the last chapter has been ripped out. This is NOT one of those stories. This ending is solid and powerful. Sure, there are some mysteries left, and it doesn’t spell out every little detail of everything, but the characters get to finish their stories, and there’s a space for everything to fit just perfectly. It’s a tough mark, and she absolutely hit it. The pacing, the tone, the implications for the characters’ futures—every note is perfect.
And what about the rest of the story? Action, danger, risk, the final battle against the shadow king—this book is everything that I had come to expect from this series. It does not disappoint. The characters are amazing, too; flawed, lovable, complex. I especially like what she did with Holland here; we get to see a different side to him, and it was wonderful.
This is the end of a fantasy series, and to an extent, the yardstick against which every other fantasy series is measured is the Harry Potter series. So I figured I’d close this review by pointing out a few things that this series does better than Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling may have set the bar pretty high, but here are some ways that Schwab exceeds expectations. 1. Characters. Harry Potter has lots of really interesting characters, but that makes it harder to focus on any in depth. Here, Schwab plums the depths of all her major characters, making for some rich development and nuance. 2. The way magic works. It’s not at all complicated, and yet it still manages to be surprising. Everything is clear and consistent, and it all follows the same rules. 3. The deaths. I really enjoyed Harry Potter, but all the deaths in that last book? It just felt . . . devoid of feeling. Like she’d flipped a coin for everyone, and some lived, and some died. It felt heavy-handed, like she’d killed a bunch of people to make the ending feel serious, but the deaths themselves didn’t really carry a lot of weight, and much of the grief that the characters would have felt is skipped. But here? Here, many people die—so many deaths—but unlike with HP, here I felt distraught over every single one of them. They were tragic and poignant; they felt like actual loss, and I was sad. These deaths are weighty, and their emotional impact is 100% earned, and I am DEEPLY impressed....more
This second book in the shades of magic series does what every sequel should do: flesh out the characters from the first book and expand the world-buiThis second book in the shades of magic series does what every sequel should do: flesh out the characters from the first book and expand the world-building. Kell is still a main character here, of course, but this time, he shares the stage with some newcomers. Even the characters from the previous book get a chance to shine here, especially Kell’s brother Rhy. His much larger role in this book makes him into an interesting character in his own right, and the relationship between the brothers is a strong component of the story. Lila, for her part, finds her footing in the magical world, which she explores (along with the readers). We get to see a new side of her, and we come to understand her a bit more. There are plenty of surprises along the way. I also thought that Schwab did a good job of handling the drama; the conflict between the characters felt real. Their struggles have progressed logically from the events of the first novel, and while many novels fall into the trap of manufacturing tension just to keep the plot going, here, every issue felt justified. These are complex characters who don’t always get along, and I loved it. This is not a book for people who love lots of action; it’s a book for people who love a journey, and this book reads like a slow, leisurely travelogue. It’s wonderful, but it isn’t really about the plot. I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give it away, but I found it to be excellent.
There were only two things that really didn’t sit well with me—two areas in which it felt like the author was cheating. This is a magical fantasy story, about a magical land that doesn’t exist, and about people who aren’t real. So when I read it, I suspend my disbelief and just enjoy it for what it is: a made-up thing. But there are couple of places where characters discuss Christianity, and I found that to be a bit jarring; it took me out of the story by reminding me of real things. There was even a bizarre tangent in which a Christian and a Magician get into a philosophical debate about how illogical faith is when one’s reality is magic. Can’t we just have magic stories without bringing in real religions? And using fictional magic to discredit a real faith just seems disrespectful. I know this is a weird thing to object to, since it’s such a small section of the book, a few pages at most, but I’ve read this book 3 times now, and every time, it just seems so random. It’s like being really engrossed while watching a movie, and then all of a sudden you see the boom mic in the frame, and it takes you out of the moment. I enjoy books with religious aspects—any religion—and I enjoy fantasy. But I’m not sure how well they work together.
The other thing I really don’t like is the ending. (view spoiler)[It ends on a cliffhanger! So much of the book is spent waiting for something to happen, and then it just ends. In Schwab’s defense, this was never meant to be a whole story. Part one is self-contained, but two and three tell only a single story between them, which I’m sure would make it difficult no matter where she chose to end it. But not only does this cliffhanger ending feel like a bit of a cheat, it is also completely misleading for the next book. It sets up a really interesting problem: Kell is imprisoned in White London and cut off from his magic. It makes it seem like that’s the main thrust of the third book. It lets readers expect to see a story how Kell and Lila are working toward a common purpose, but separately, without each other to lean on. It makes us think that Kell is going to be outside his comfort zone, learning to fight back cleverly, subtly, without relying the blunt force of his magic. Actually, none of that happens. Spoiler for book three: (view spoiler)[He gets rescued and his magic is restored, all in about the first ten pages of the next installment. (hide spoiler)] So, what was the point of this? (hide spoiler)]
But these objections are relatively minor. All in all, this solid story is a worthy continuation of some beloved characters....more
This book takes place during the final events of The Lord of the Rings. So the whole book (and consequently, my review) is a spoiler for LOTR. You’ve This book takes place during the final events of The Lord of the Rings. So the whole book (and consequently, my review) is a spoiler for LOTR. You’ve been warned. :)
This is literally Bilbo’s last song; this is his final reflection before he leaves Middle Earth forever, near the end of his very long life. This is not Tolkien’s greatest poem, although stylistically, it still fits right in with the other hobbit poetry from other books, and it feels very much like part of that same universe. But the point of this isn’t the form or even the quality of the poem itself: the point is the pathos, and this sure delivers. The poem is emotional, and with the context of the closing events of LOTR, it makes for a very powerful reading experience. Finally, no review would be complete without a mention of the illustrations. For me, the pictures are the highlight of the book. The images tell the story, with most of the page given over to old Bilbo reflecting on his life and journeying to the havens, while running along the bottom of the pages—what a delight!—is the story of young Bilbo’s first adventure from The Hobbit. The illustrations are lovely and evocative. This book hits every mark: a perfect send-off to a beloved character, and a beautiful meditation on the end of the novel....more
Please note: I think I’m reviewing a different edition of this tale. It’s the same author, but not the same illustrator. I’m proceeding on the assumptPlease note: I think I’m reviewing a different edition of this tale. It’s the same author, but not the same illustrator. I’m proceeding on the assumption that the text is the same, and that the particular edition used is comparable to the one listed here.
I greatly enjoyed this fairy tale. As a child, I liked the way that the dead mother was still a powerful force and very much present in the story. I liked that, in contrast to the cutesy and clean fairy godmother of Perrault, the magic here is earthy and mysterious. I liked that the animals themselves were magic. Grownup me can appreciate the villainy of the stepmother, who gives Aschenputtel permission to attend if she can accomplish a simple (and impossible) task. It’s just reasonable enough on the surface to make her seem fair, and it gives just enough hope to be really cruel. Neither kid-me nor grownup-me was surprised that the stepsisters cut their feet to fit the slipper; I still maintain that this was very much in character for them: they were desperate, and willing to sacrifice. It was also in character for their mother, whose pushiness hurt everyone around her, including her own children. Finally, I really like the active role that Aschenputtel takes in her own life. She knows when and how (and whom!) to ask for help. She takes steps to forge a connection with her dead mother, she commands the birds, and she uses magic to create her own fancy dress.
The only part of the story I don’t like is the very end, (SPOILER ALERT!) when retribution comes for the stepsisters. The birds peck their eyes out. This always seemed to me to miss the point. The stepsisters have already suffered plenty: Physically, their feet get cut apart; Romantically, they lose out on the prince; Financially, they have limited prospects for anyone else; Socially, they’ve missed out on a long-term relationship with Aschenputtel because their mother had prevented them from treating her as family for all those years; and Morally, well, just look at their mother. (She gets off scott-free, by the way.) The blindness addendum didn’t exist in early versions of the story; it was only added by the Grimm brothers to a later edition of their work in order to make the story more appropriate for children. I think that if they were trying to instill a sense of justice by punishing the wicked, they should have left the children alone and gone after the stepmother. This is the only misstep in an otherwise wonderful story. On the whole, a beautiful fairy tale that doesn’t shy away from themes of family, loss, and love....more
Well, this book swept into my life and completely disrupted it. This was one of those books that I kept constantly near to hand: whenever I could readWell, this book swept into my life and completely disrupted it. This was one of those books that I kept constantly near to hand: whenever I could read it, I would; whenever I couldn't read it, I was thinking about it. Then, as soon as I'd finished, I immediately had to read the sequel. Then I had to finish the series. Then, I caught my breath for a few hours before reading this book all over again. So if nothing else, the author deserves major appreciation for writing something so compelling and so interesting.
But of course there's something else! This book is vivid with its descriptions and its construct of magic. Its characters are just all kinds of wonderful; they're bright and entertaining in their own right, but the friendships between them are what really drive the book, especially the relationship between the two brothers. The plot is involved but never plodding, and there were enough twists and turns along the way to keep me turning pages to the end. Things do get rather dark and disturbing in places, and the villains are absolutely creepy, as villains should be. This is grittier, bloodier, and more violent than most of the fantasy books I've read, but the result is an unforgettable journey with some extraordinary characters.
Finally, a huge shout-out to Chris at the local public library for suggesting this book in the first place. I would never have read this or even heard of it if not for her. Reader’s Advisory is an art, and she is an artist, and THIS is why libraries are so important. (Well, one of many reasons, I’m sure.)...more
This series continues to delight. This second installment is even stronger than the first, and the characters are continuing to develop in unexpected This series continues to delight. This second installment is even stronger than the first, and the characters are continuing to develop in unexpected ways. As before, the friendship between Cass and Jacob is at the heart of the story, but it was also nice to see another side to Lara, as well as a bit more of the workings of the shadowy world beyond the veil. Again, the tension builds throughout the story, and again, the dramatic action-packed resolution was thoroughly enjoyable. Secrets are revealed, new powers are tested, and a few surprisingly poignant moments add a great deal of depth. I am eager to read the next tale in what promises to be a very special and charming series....more
What a nice story! It’s a perfect blend of warmth, atmosphere, danger, and adventure. Cassidy, who can see ghosts, and her best friend Jacob, who is aWhat a nice story! It’s a perfect blend of warmth, atmosphere, danger, and adventure. Cassidy, who can see ghosts, and her best friend Jacob, who is a ghost, make an unbeatable team. While the supernatural elements make this story unique (and are certainly interesting), I found myself most drawn in by the friendship between the two main characters. This children’s book may be a bit shorter than most grownup novels, but Schwab has done a fine job of giving her protagonists depth. They’re vivid, quirky, and really, really fun. There is also a healthy dose of action-adventure, some ghost fights, and a shadowy realm of the dead. A wonderful magical friendship story.
A quick thank-you to my Goodreads friend Chris! Thanks for suggesting this!...more
I know Dahl has written a few disturbing stories in his time, but this one has to be right up there with the disturbiWell this is a weird little book.
I know Dahl has written a few disturbing stories in his time, but this one has to be right up there with the disturbing-est of them. I’m not comfortable rating it at this time, mostly because it’s entirely possible that kids would like this book more than grownups. I don’t know what kid-me would have made of this, but grownup-me isn’t impressed.
Even the premise is wacky. There is a boy, George, who lives with his parents and his grandmother. The grandmother is old and sick, and because of this, she isn’t always very pleasant. (That seems fair . . . It’s hard to be cheerful when you don’t feel good.) One day, in a moment of either mischief or senility, she mentions that she has certain powers, and the boy gets a little bit scared of these alleged witchy powers that, as far as I can tell, she doesn’t even really have.
So he disposes of her medicine and replaces it with his own concoction, which, wouldn’t you know it, actually has real, non-alleged witchy powers.
Despite being super-gross and potentially lethal (I mean, come on, it’s got antifreeze in it, along with a bunch of other household chemicals), this potion actually puts her in a good mood. Unfortunately, it also alters her physically, and permanently. I won’t spoil too much here, except to say that things don’t end well for her, but nobody else seems to care. Well, the mom cares, a little bit, at first, but she gets over things speedily enough. Old people are a burden anyway. Hooray!
I mean, really? What on earth did I just read?
It’s too disturbing to be funny, it’s too bizarre to be scary, it’s too much of a downer to be whimsical, and the protagonists are too callous for me to enjoy the adventure. There’s one other thing, too. It may be that I’m reading too much into this, but I am irked at the unspoken implication that a woman who isn’t constantly cheerful isn’t worthy to live. Between this and The Witches, in which the magical forces preying on children are always female, I’m a bit disappointed. It’s hard to come to grips with the idea that this came from the same author who wrote such a wholesome adventure in James and the Giant Peach, and who gave us such a calm, dignified, and self-possessed heroine in Matilda. This just feels like a vindictive kid who takes his frustration out on an old, sick, feeble relative.
Again, I’m not exactly the target audience, and I recognize that my adult perspective may be hindering me from appreciating Dahl’s intent.
Still, wow. Not my cup of tea (er, I mean, medicine)....more
I thought the little prince himself was a very interesting character: unworldly, immature, tenacious, proud, stubborn, somber, and capable of showing I thought the little prince himself was a very interesting character: unworldly, immature, tenacious, proud, stubborn, somber, and capable of showing enormous kindness. But this remarkable character is wrapped up in a story so heavy-handed that much of the charm was lost. The ambiguity of the tale tends toward the downright vague, and the plot itself, especially the ending, relies so much on literary analysis and interpretation that it seems insubstantial on its own merits. I understand what the author was doing, and I know that the point of not giving answers is to show that there are no answers. Even so, while I appreciate the symbolic and allegorical implications, I feel that they were overdone. I found it too didactic. There was too much moral and not enough story, IMO.
I am reminded of a quote by J. R. R. Tolkien: “I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and always have done so since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence. I much prefer history – true or feigned– with its varied applicability to the thought and experience of readers. I think that many confuse applicability with allegory, but the one resides in the freedom of the reader, and the other in the purposed domination of the author.” I think that applies to this story. It’s true that there are certain elements that can be interpreted in different ways, but much of this does reflect “the purposed domination of the author.” I can see why this story would appeal to some people, especially grownups, but it just wasn’t for me....more
This is perhaps the best-known version of La Belle et la Bête (and the only version I could find on Hoopla). It’s a much shorter adaptation of the oriThis is perhaps the best-known version of La Belle et la Bête (and the only version I could find on Hoopla). It’s a much shorter adaptation of the original story by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve. It was sweet in places, and moving, but also it felt a bit rushed at times. I’m curious as to what was cut out, and while this version is decent in its own right, my overwhelming feeling upon finishing was simply a strong desire to read the original....more
This book is a classic for a reason. It’s a perfect blend of satire, farce, melodrama, spirituality, and even romance. Centuries of British tradition This book is a classic for a reason. It’s a perfect blend of satire, farce, melodrama, spirituality, and even romance. Centuries of British tradition meet their match in a new generation of no-nonsense American children. Themes of revenge and redemption are woven seamlessly throughout. A laugh-out-loud ghost story with a thoroughly satisfying conclusion. Oscar Wilde never fails to amaze....more
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD: I won’t say anything specific. No worries!
There are two episodes of The Twilight Zone that seem perfectly joined in this story. MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD: I won’t say anything specific. No worries!
There are two episodes of The Twilight Zone that seem perfectly joined in this story. The first is the episode “One for the Angels,” in which a man makes a deal with Death to save a dying girl. The other episode is “And When the Sky Was Opened.” If you’ve seen these two episodes, you’ve seen absolutely everything in this tale, and then some. Sadly, this book has only a vestige of the heartwarming and uplifting mood of the former episode, and none of the existential horror of the latter. Even the big twist (which was already somewhat predictable) has been softened so considerably that it might just as well have been left out. There’s nothing really wrong with this story, except that there’s not really much there. The writing itself is fine, and the length is perfect for this kind of fable. I just think that if Backman wanted to have Death request a weighty sacrifice, he could and should have done something a little bit stronger than this. This audiobook is 47 minutes long, and yet Rod Serling told a similar story in 25 minutes, and he didn’t pull any punches. I finished this book feeling that if only Backman had been a little bit braver, he might have written a much more powerful story....more
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