Book Reviews

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones1

One of modern fantasy’s biggest problems is authors’ demystification of magic in attempts to make it ‘real’. Scientifically, philosophically or step-by-step, they all try to explain it. One aspect of this novel that enchanted me was the air of mystery maintained around the magic involved. Rather than creating a flawless world people by all-knowing characters, Jones lets readers discover her magical land through a naïve heroine, Sophie. She knows little about her world and even less about herself. However, when her ignorance allows her to transform a terrible curse into a piece of good fortune, hidden aspects if her character are revealed. I loved following Sophie’s evolution from shy, weak child to a perceptive, brave woman with a sharp tongue and iron will. Her changes affect the many flawed and fascinating characters she meets, from scarecrows to sorcerers. Perhaps Jones is saying you don’t have to be all-powerful to change the world, you just have to be yourself. For me, however, it’s those questions that remain undefined, the answers that dance just out of reach, coupled with Jones’s brilliant imagination and dry wit that kept me under her spell until well after the last page. This story is true magic!2

The Flying Sorcerers edited by Peter Haining3

This fantastic collection of short stories of comic fantasy is extremely entertaining and very diverse. There is great reading here for die-hard fantasy fanatics, with terrific examples from masters of the genre, such as Terry Pratchett, C.S. Lewis, P.G. Wodehouse and many more. The length of the stories (averaging about 12 pages) and the huge variety featured (Fantasy, Science-Fiction and tales of the Supernatural) make it a good starting point for the fantasy-shy. So, whether you don’t know a sorcerer from a succubus or whether dragon-back is your favourite form of transport, there is something in this book for everyone. Although, possibly not for readers under 15 years of age. Haining has collected some of the finest fantasy stories for this compilation but it is far from being a book of fairy tales. 4

Chasing Charlie Duskin by Cath Crowley5

I was hooked from the first page of this beautiful novel. I felt I could almost drown in the depth of emotion created by the author's descriptions, which encompassed and engulfed all of my senses. The two girls who are the heart of this story are complete opposites. One as thorny and fragile as a rose, the other as soft and wise as a lullaby. However, by the end of the book it is clear that opposites not only attract but balance. Perhaps the author is saying we should try looking for friends in unlikely places as we may find more than friendship there. We may even find part of ourselves. 6

Going Postal by Terry Pratchett7

On the surface, this appears to be the story of a condemned man given a second chance. However, add a dash of fantasy, a twist of very twisted humour and Pratchett’s unique style and it is clear this much more. This book centres on my favourite topic, in any media. Identity. Uncertain, changing, multi-layered, it is something we all question. Rather than question an individual’s right to try to change, Pratchett questions our right to be true ourselves. For Pratchett’s main character, a conartist and man-of-a-thousand-faces, identity is his tool, his trade, but also what he most fears. His success and survival depend on showing the world a face, a mask, a lie. He’s worn this mask until not even he knows the true face that lies behind it. He fears the truth and how others will judge him by it. This is a story of courage. The courage only possessed by those who fear themselves above all else. This is the terrible fear our society teaches us, the of fear trust and honesty to prevent vulnerability. But which brings more harm, and to whom?8

The Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams9

I’ve read Sci-Fi novels that are technically better than this occasionally adolescent and frequently far-fetched tale. However, Adams’s true genius lies in his use of the wide-ranging personalities of the central quartet of characters. They alternately clash and balance to show the reader every possible take on and reaction to the many strange, fantastic and downright-bloody-crazy situations the author throws them into. This results in a plotline with more twists and turns than a trip through hyperspace that the less Sci-Fi savvy could get stuck on. Adams prevents this with large doses of his twisted and ingenious humour to lubricate readers’ way to the conclusion of this wild, warp-drive paced ride. And with a guide like Ford Prefect, who could not love every page! 10

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams11

Once again, Adams employs a dazzling, often deceptive, combination of light-hearted, sometimes adolescent, humour and enjoyable, original language to satirise a wide range of issues. This time, his argumentative, travelling quartet encounter the (apparently) universal mysteries of tax evasion, animal rights and theories of Evolution vs. Intelligent Design, with results that will make anyone see the funny side. However, the author substantially weakens his witty creation when the four not-quite-friends are split-up with what seems little chance of re-uniting. When together, it seems they may be the death of each other…I only hope that their separation will not be the death of my enjoyment in this series. Oh well, only one way to find out…Read on, McDuff! 12

Castle in the Air by Diana Wynne Jones13

I was disappointed by this sequel to Jones’s Howl’s Moving Castle. The original featured main characters whose unpredictable nature gave the story an excitement and an edge. The reader never knew what hidden depths these characters would find within themselves to face their fears and come out on top of whatever challenges faced them. This second book in the series has new main characters that lack the spark of the originals which could keep the reader guessing whilst still being given hope of a happy ending. Perhaps it was the story hinging on an inescapable prediction of the main character’s future that seemed to make what would happen next…well…predictable. This caused the book to lack challenge for the reader, despite being well-written. Only when the main characters of Howl’s were reintroduced, to play small roles, did any of the original magic or unexpected twists make an appearance. Jones’s language is still incredibly absorbing as she describes the fantasy world she has created. Having read another of her fantasy series, which also had its ups and downs, I hope this series continues with its strengths to the forefront and the weaknesses from this instalment left behind. 14

North Child by Edith Patou 15

Opening the cover of a new book is like lifting the lid of an old treasure chest. Who knows what rich and colourful images await? However, in this reworking of an old legend, the imagery is not what enthralled me. Whilst beautiful and intricate in detail, it often seems to form a tableau or tapestry-frieze backdrop to the haunting voices of the five narrators. They take turns in weaving the story of their fantastic journey and this back-and-forth style was off-putting at first. However, the familiarity of a story retold through a myriad of fairytales, along with the vibrant, tangible characters, made it easy to fall under this book’s enchantment. Fairytales are often out-of-place in our modern world, but Patou’s careful setting of her story at the time when brave explorers replaced the words ‘HERE BE MONSTERS’ with solid facts gives this tale of trolls and transmutation a believability. Unfortunately, the epic nature of North Child’s themes of love, selfishness and sacrifice, means this book is the size of a brick. As soon as I put it down, I felt my hands aching. Solution? Why would I want to put it down, anyway? 16

Boys of Blood and Bone by David Metzenthen17

After having to analyse this book to near death for my English course, I now know that its cast of supporting characters is predominantly two-dimensional and that women, on the whole, get a very raw deal in how they are represented. When I read this book, I was swept away by Metzenthen’s description of his contemporary characters battling the surf-swell, with only sail-boards and balance between them and blue-black-oblivion. I remember my own heart bleeding, when the young soldier from World War One watched the life being blown out of his mates by mines and bullets and hellfire. Even when assailed by emotion and action from all sides, it is clear there is something missing from these young men’s lives, whether it is the confidence to talk of their hopes and dreams or a future in which to live them out. This story has its faults but, if allowed, will haunt the reader with not only grief, but expectation of what might have been and could still be. 18

Looking for Alibrandi: Film Screenplay by Melina Marchetta19

I have always loved the film of Looking for Alibrandi and so enjoyed this opportunity to see how it was originally envisaged and the changes it underwent from screenplay to screen. However, this version of the story is mostly dialogue, with only short, bland descriptions of scenes, settings and action. To get the full picture, as drawn by Marchetta’s brilliant, imaginative use of language, I guess I will just have to read the novel…one day.20

Idiot Pride by Matt Zurbo21

This story describes school-life for the marginalised. It sympathises with those unable to merge and flow with mainstream-society, due to difference or disadvantage. However, those who reject ‘the system’ are also given sympathy and accolades, while anyone who tries to ‘fit-in’ or improve their lot in life is vilified and treated with contempt. The main character and narrator, Matt, is intelligent and articulate (although only in his internal-monologue) with empathy for certain groups. However, his language and attitude towards anyone not on society’s margins are often confronting. This makes it difficult for readers, who aren’t part of the world Zurdo trumpets, to relate to or sympathise with his characters. The short, anecdotal style denies readers the opportunity to become involved with them. Only glimpses of their lives are permitted. They hold readers back, trying to shock and teach us lessons with aspects of their existence they consent to share. In the end, ‘shock value’ is all I found this book good for. 22

Bridie’s Fire by Kirsty Murray23

Many historical novels deal with the grand events of the past and those people who have ‘changed the world’ and been remembered for it. Murray’s series Children of the Wind draws the readers’ eye away from the dramatic central events of the rich tapestry of history to the tiniest details of individuals’ lives. Through the experiences of a young girl, born to poverty and starvation in Ireland and who’s life seems cursed by death, this talented author illustrates the fate of an entire generation, who, despite being rejected by many, left their mark on Australian history. Murray’s skilful use of language ensures every page is embroidered with a complex, textured intermingling of loss, pain, hope and joy. My only complaint was I felt Bridie’s story was so sprawling it should have had a series of its own. This left me feeling a little short-changed and I hope the remaining Children of the Wind books do not have the same flaw, as I intend to read them all. 24

Shadows of Olive Trees by Susanne Gervay25

This awkward coming-of-age novel mirrors its character, Tessa. Continuous present-tense felt like stalking her through the minutia of her existence, from setting the table to watching tree-branch shadows play across her bedroom window. This was uncomfortable to start but eventually became dull. Starting at Tessa’s last day of high-school and following her first year of university, I expected an explosive journey of self-discovery and rebellion, encouraged by the book’s 1970’s setting, the era of women’s emancipation. However, Tessa’s journey is hampered by her traditional Greek upbringing where girls’ paths are predetermined. Despite living in Australia, her migrant family are set-in-their-ways and Tessa is convinced her life’s learning cannot be wrong. It takes over half the novel for her to start exploring all-new cultural, sexual and intellectual worlds. Despite the slowness, when lifelong beliefs are shattered in front of and eventually because of her, I found myself in awe of Tessa. Her hesitation came from knowing how far she could push the limitations of her family’s world. By the end, she proved that she also knew how to escape these limitations. I am not joining Gervay’s fan club. However, I appreciate her illustration of life’s and people’s ability to surprise.26

Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony by Eoin Colfer27

Sometimes a book seems to find its reader when that reader is most in need. That was the case with Colfer’s latest Artemis Fowl book for me. It is a story, above all, of a remarkable friendship and the idea that people will go to remarkable lengths, risk everything, to try to save what is most dear to them. Perhaps this is not always possible but that does not stop us trying. Those who do not read fantasy may dismiss this as a tale of fairies and time travel, but, for those who have followed this series from the first book; it is the timeless story of how friendship can change us. Having read this book at a time when I lost something that had become an integral part of me, I understood the once selfish Artemis’s desperate bid to save the most precious thing anyone can find. True friendship. Without giving too much away, I challenge anyone, fantasy lover or hater, to read this book and not be moved to tears by the scene in which this friendship dies.28