Book Review | Stardust by Neil Gaiman
By Mrs S • Jun 7th, 2008 • Category: 5 stars, 50 book challenge, Challenges, Grapevine, Reviews, Spring Reading Thing
Rating
5 stars - a fantastic fairytale
Description
Neil Gaiman, creator of the darkly elegant Sandman comics and author of The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish, tells the story of young Tristran Thorn and his adventures in the land of Faerie. One fateful night, Tristran promises his beloved that he will retrieve a fallen star for her from beyond the Wall that stands between their rural English town and the Faerie realm. No one ever ventures beyond the Wall except to attend an enchanted market that is held every nine years. But Tristran bravely sets out to fetch the fallen star and thus win the hand of his love.
Why did you choose to read this book?
In all honesty the first time I heard of Stardust was when it was made into a movie - and Take That sang on the soundtrack. It’s only thanks to my fellow book bloggers that I found out it was in fact a movie based on a book - and that by all counts the book was fantastic - so when I found a copy in the bargain bin at the supermarket I decided I’d better read it!
The book review
Gaiman has a very detailed and descriptive writing style and in the beginning I found myself having to read the book out loud - or I’d get to the end of the page and realise I hadn’t read or understood a word! The trick I think is to lock yourself away in a quiet room for a few hours and devour this book in one sitting… for once you get started this book becomes a real page-turner.
Gaiman does a fantastic job of introducing characters and entwining sub plots; drawing you into the mythical land of Faerie and carrying you on a delicious journey through deep woods and dark caves as Tristran searches for the fallen star that will bring him his heart’s desire. As the book reached its climax I found myself shouting at the characters, imploring them not to fall into the traps set out for them - and was more than happy at the way Gaiman pulled it all together at the end.
This is adult fairytale at its very best - go and get yourself a copy and find out for yourself. As for me, I think I’ll search out a copy of the movie and see if it lives up to the novel!
Have you reviewed this book?
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Mrs S is is a lover of books! These are my thoughts on the books I've read. Have a different view? Leave me a comment below :)
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I have this book on hold at our library for when a copy becomes available. Heard too many good things to not read it!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this one so much. It’s one of my favourite books
Nymeths last blog post.."The Boy Who Loved Anne Frank" by Ellen Feldman
I like this book a lot, even though I was sort of expecting more of a conflict at the end of the book. It wrapped up pretty neatly. But I love Neil Gaiman so much I will overlook that! He is a great writer, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Kim Ls last blog post..Monday Tidbits
I’d seen the movie and joined LibraryThing long before I found out it was a book. When I did find out, I scurried over to the moochin’ and swappin’ sites to snag one. I was so excited when it finally came into my home! I lovingly placed it on my shelf to be read soon, and the shelf suddenly erupted into Mt. TBR and I haven’t seen it since!
However, after reading your review of it, I’ll have to go spelunking and dig it out.
The Kool-Aid Moms last blog post..Tuesday Thingers
This movie just arrived today from Netflix and now I’m wondering if I should watch it then read it or… send it back altogether and just read the book. Anyone have an opinion on this?
I’ve yet to read any Neil Gaiman and he is on my gotta-read-someday list since so many blogs list him as a top3 fave author.
Care aka bkclubcares last blog post..The Golden Compass - FILM Review
I really like Gaiman’s books, this and Stardust is a particular favourite.
(My top favourite is Neverwhere though.)
Hi, this was my first Gaiman book. And I loved the movie! I think it’s better than the book but the book’s a fun read too. Fabulous writing. I’m definitely looking out for more books by Gaiman.