It took me quite a while to pick this one up and I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I began to read it.
The main protagonist is 12 year old David; he has just lost his mother who has been ill. After having his world turned upside down by his father's eventual remarriage and the birth of his brother, David retreats more and more into his books which he shared a great love for with his mother. After a particularly upsetting day for David he manages to find himself in a land of fairy-tales after stepping through a hole in the garden. He then has to navigate himself through this world in order to somehow find his way back and he starts to lose his innocence as he does so.
I tried to describe this book several times to my husband while reading it and in the end I realised that it reminded me of the films 'Pans Labyrinth', 'The Brothers Grimm' and 'The Never Ending Story' but far freakier and twisted.
This book is incredibly well written and structured as the author packs in the tiny details which makes the world David has entered come alive while still maintaining the fast pace of the book. There is some strong imagery throughout and most of the book creates some vivid scenes. The creatures David encounters are recognisable from old fairy-tales you would have read as a child but reworked to become more frightening and sinister. There is also however some light relief in places and David's encounter with the seven dwarfs (who seem hell bent on ridding themselves of Snow White) made me laugh out loud.
I admit that I lapped up the grim tales within the story with great glee, I revelled in the whole atmosphere of the book and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Would I recommend it? This is one I am sure I will re-read at some point so yes. This is essentially a coming of age story and one for adults only.
Verdict 5/5
Posted by Jess
I read this one in the past year, too. I quite enjoyed it, although I do think it could be suitable for older teens (and not just adults).
ReplyDeleteSnow White was... well, let's just say she's not Disney's Snow White. :)
Interesting-sounding book. The cover is eye-catching, as well. I hadn't picked this one up, but I see that our library has it, so maybe when I get through my current little stack, I'll stroll down the stacks and grab this one.
ReplyDeleteThis looks very interesting, thanks!
ReplyDeleteScott Nicholson
http://www.hauntedcomputer.com
This sounds awesome!!! Especially the part where you said it's freaker and more twisted than Pan's Labyrinth!!!
ReplyDeleteUm, that would be "freakier." Sorry. ;)
ReplyDeletesounds like my kind of book! just put it on my (evergrowing) list!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this story, too. Snow White was great! I liked all the "extra" material in the back that explained the origins of certain stories/motifs. I'm glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteI think I have a copy of this, and I am definitely going to have to read it!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good. I am adding this to my book depository wish list!
ReplyDeleteGreat - I have heard a lot of good things about this book and I can't wait to read it
ReplyDeleteLa Coccinelle - I loved the seven Dwarfs in it and the way they were hiding all the diamonds from Snow White that they had mined. I think the material in it is fine for older teens but as its such a nostalgic book I think adults would et more out of it in that respect.
ReplyDeleteJo - I picked up my copy in a 2nd hand book shop and I admit that it was the cover which first attrected me to buy it.
Kathy - Chris didnt believe me that it was freakier than Pans Labyrinth but then I read him an extract and he agreed with me.
Chelle - yes I wasnt expecting all that material at the end so I though this book was longer than it actually was. Quite a bonus the author wrote there.
Allie - it will make a lighter read compared to the classics your reading but is still excellent.
Rachel & Becky - I hope you both enjoy it!
I've been wanting to try this book and this author for awhile now but since you compared it to both Brothers Grimm and Neverending Story it's going to be moved up higher in my TBR pile.
ReplyDeleteBased on your review, I have a feeling I'd love this book. I'm adding it to my wish list as we speak. :-)
ReplyDeleteLadytink & Stephanie - I hopw you both enjoy it. For some reason this book stayed on my TBR pile for ages and ages before I got around to it but it is excellent.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I LOVED this book, I need to get my hands on Nocturnes. I really enjoyed The Gates too.
ReplyDeleteThis was my beach read a couple of years ago and I loved it!
ReplyDeleteI found it a little slow in the middle, but I too loved this one. I hear Notcturnes is good, but haven't come across it yet..
ReplyDelete