This is the most imaginative story -- the most whimsical, heartlifting, funniest, well-rounded story -- that I have read in a long time.
Like the old fairytales, Stardust is about a quest -- a quest for a fallen star. Because of a hasty promise to a young lady, Tristran Thorn sets out from the quiet, secluded village of Wall in search for the star, and along the way, meets many adventures. Thematically, it is similar to the journey Odysseus takes in The Odyssey, yet it is different in one refreshing aspect: Tristran is no greek hero. He even becomes a dormouse (sic) at one point!
According to Wikipedia, Gaiman's style and tone in Stardust is very different from his other books. This is the first book I've read of his, so I can't comment. Though I have to say that even if all of his books were written in this style, there would be little loss, for there are too few old-fashioned fairytales today.
I may take that last sentence back after I read his other books though. ;)
Find it in a library here (Singapore) or here (rest of the world).
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Stardust, by Neil Gaiman
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9 comments:
I think Anansi Boys is probably the closest to Stardust in style -- but it's definitely not the fairy-tale that Stardust is. Maybe try that one first?
I do like all of Gaiman's work, but each has a very different flavor.
*laughs* He's just the cutest author too
Coincidentally, I just finished my first Gaiman novel, American Gods. It was anything but a pleasant fairy tale, very dark and mysterious. It's several years old so I probably won't review it online, but it's worth a look if you're interested in getting a different side of Gaiman's writing.
meljean, thanks for popping by. will take your recommendation.
elle, is he cute? really? hmm.. he has a blog i think.
eric, you don't review old stuff? how come?
I guess I figure that I'm probably the last person to read the book and no one else will be interested. Should I re-think that?
Hmm. Don't know. An old book may be new to someone else, the way American Gods is new to me.
OK. Watch for a mini-review tomorrow. ;-)
Eric, thanks for obliging.. :)
I still can't believe how good the book is. I'm anxious to hear which one you read next.
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