Stardust Reviewed

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I’ve made a few comments on this blog while reading this book- most of them to do with the fact that Michelle Pfeiffer is playing the role of the witch queen in the all-star film adaptation out in May next year.

Anyway, I finished the book last weekend, and it’s an entertaining, if stripped down, fairy tale for adults. Apparently the novel (by Neil Gaiman) was originally published as a graphic novel, with illustrations by reknowned artist Charles Vess, and that is apparent in the text, which is simple and script-like.

Although this simplicity reinforces the fairy tale like nature of the story- romantic young man enters the land of Faerie to find a fallen star in order to please his aloof dream girl- it may frustrate readers who crave more detail to become emotionally invested in the story and the fate of its characters. Certain intriguing plot elements are also left unexplained or unexplored.



These criticisms aside, the books balances its scenes of magical whimsy with some rather graphically intense violence- decapitations, eye-stabbings, severe reactions to poison- and sex, which inject adrenalin into the satisying action scenes. Setting the novel in the early Victorian period, when the world is beginning to turn its back on magic, is another nice touch.

But perhaps what is the biggest selling point of the novel is the way that main character Tristran gradually changes, growing in confidence and maturity as he travels. Stardust offers a very strong case for the value of adventure in one’s life. After reading it, you’ll be eager to use the following words in your everyday life: "Have been unavoidably detained by the world. Expect us when you see us".

Comments

Anonymous said…
i'm excited about the movie :).. i'm also kinda dreading--what if they don't get it right? :(..
9:38 AM
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