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2.07k reviews for:
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
Catherynne M. Valente
4.06 AVERAGE
2.07k reviews for:
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
Catherynne M. Valente
4.06 AVERAGE
It's not holding me, I might not be this book's audience.
Read this for the first time in high school and I've reread it a few times since. This is one of my favorite book series ever. I adore September, and Saturday, and A-through-L. And Fairyland. It's delightfully whimsical, and yet there's a heart at the center of it, even if "all children are heartless". All the fun of a romp through an aesthetically vibrant world with all the meat of a meaningful children's book.
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Really a great book. I found the writing to be right up my alley, whimsical and thought provoking, much like Alice. The characters were endearing and the world felt fresh and fun. The introduction of new characters each chapter was a little repetitive and I wish the book had a more connected plot.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
For anyone who knows what a Wyvern or a Spriggan is off the top of their head is will probably adore this book. Those of us who don't have a harder time getting into this book for sure. I struggled with this book for about the first half of it but I flew through chapter 15 to the end. Even with only giving this three stars I am tempted to check out the second one to continue the journey.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I loved the storytelling! I didn’t see that twist coming at all! Great work! I just wish that the author didn’t have such a boring voice! It took me a bit longer to finish it because of that!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
I stand by my original assessment, this is Alice meets Gaiman via Nix. And as that, it's successful - many will enjoy it. For me it was too soon after reading Alice for a course and I'm afraid I got bored at 70%. A couple too many try-fail cycles, but a good enough ending to make it worth completing.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This is charming and everything it should be! It is very much an homage to Alice In Wonderland (particularly the cleverness), which I just reread, so I am choosing to return later!
This Is an amazing book. It is beautifully reminiscent of books like Alice in Wonderland and the Phantom Tollbooth, while still delightfully original. There is so much to love here: beautiful writing, an engaging story, a heroine with implicit agency, an interesting villain. The writing is lyrical and magical. This is a faery tale in all the best ways. I am almost reluctant to call it a children's book. I think it's more a book for adults who grew up loving children's fantasy. There are so many layers to the story, and it unfolds in a remarkable way.