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lostinagoodbook's review against another edition
4.0
Disclaimer: I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’m not much of a fan of “coming of age” stories, whether in book or film. They just don’t appeal to me. The Transfigured Hart however, is a cut above. It is the story of a young girl and boy named Heather and Richard. At first glance they are nothing alike. Richard is unfortunately physically weak, an introvert but a voracious reader. Heather is bold, lively and adventurous. They both have chance encounters with a creature they see in the woods. They don’t agree on what the creature is, unicorn or hart, but both agree that it needs to be protected.
The story is magical, full of lush imagery and description. The two children are complex characters who act like real children, not with the false precociousness we see in some books. These two navigate the step over from childhood fantasy to young adulthood in the midst of a fairy tale of their own making. Or is it? Was it a hart or a unicorn they encountered in the woods?
I haven’t read any of Ms. Yolen’s other works, but I’ve seen her praised by other bloggers whose opinions I respect. I really need to pick them up. I also need to re-read this book. It’s a book to be savored and I didn’t realize that. I read it far too quickly. It is a good book for a quiet afternoon. I would recommend reading it with a good soundtrack, a cup of tea, a cat and a soft blanket. Yes, excellent plan.
Song for this book: The Dark Night of the Soul – Loreena McKennitt
I’m not much of a fan of “coming of age” stories, whether in book or film. They just don’t appeal to me. The Transfigured Hart however, is a cut above. It is the story of a young girl and boy named Heather and Richard. At first glance they are nothing alike. Richard is unfortunately physically weak, an introvert but a voracious reader. Heather is bold, lively and adventurous. They both have chance encounters with a creature they see in the woods. They don’t agree on what the creature is, unicorn or hart, but both agree that it needs to be protected.
The story is magical, full of lush imagery and description. The two children are complex characters who act like real children, not with the false precociousness we see in some books. These two navigate the step over from childhood fantasy to young adulthood in the midst of a fairy tale of their own making. Or is it? Was it a hart or a unicorn they encountered in the woods?
I haven’t read any of Ms. Yolen’s other works, but I’ve seen her praised by other bloggers whose opinions I respect. I really need to pick them up. I also need to re-read this book. It’s a book to be savored and I didn’t realize that. I read it far too quickly. It is a good book for a quiet afternoon. I would recommend reading it with a good soundtrack, a cup of tea, a cat and a soft blanket. Yes, excellent plan.
Song for this book: The Dark Night of the Soul – Loreena McKennitt
quirkycatsfatstacks's review
4.0
I received a copy of The Transfigured Hart through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Transfigured Hart is a short story by Jane Yolen. Like many of her other tales, it’s based on common folklore and is beautifully written. I’m honestly a little surprised I’ve never read this one before, but I’m glad I took the time to do so now.
When I was growing up my favorite story was the Last Unicorn (yeah, I know, I still cry every time I see/read it). This tale did a wonderful job of reminding me of both it and my childhood, and for that I’m very grateful.
I do think that at times the story lulled on, and I would have liked a bit more character development as well. Or maybe it was just the dialogue that sometimes got to me – that actually sounds more accurate. Otherwise this really was a lovely story.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
The Transfigured Hart is a short story by Jane Yolen. Like many of her other tales, it’s based on common folklore and is beautifully written. I’m honestly a little surprised I’ve never read this one before, but I’m glad I took the time to do so now.
When I was growing up my favorite story was the Last Unicorn (yeah, I know, I still cry every time I see/read it). This tale did a wonderful job of reminding me of both it and my childhood, and for that I’m very grateful.
I do think that at times the story lulled on, and I would have liked a bit more character development as well. Or maybe it was just the dialogue that sometimes got to me – that actually sounds more accurate. Otherwise this really was a lovely story.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
elephant's review
4.0
This is a lovely little fairy tale like magical realism like story. Richard and Heather are both 12 years old and both of them have seen the white deer. Richard thinks that it must be a unicorn. They both want to save it from the hunters. We get to know Richard, Heather, and the deer individually and together as Richard and Heather develop an unlikely friendship. I truly enjoyed the story and I think that children and adults alike will enjoy it as well.
happentobeshort's review against another edition
3.0
This was very sweet and short, and extremely evocative. Yolen is amazing when it comes to fantasy for every age as far as I’m concerned and this was no different. I didn’t realise it was basically a middle-grade level story, which in retrospect makes sense considering the dialogue and all, but even then it was still really lovely to read! It feels like it’s about believing and the innocence of that belief at a certain age. Like being in the cusp of child and teenager?? IDK if that even makes much sense but this is worth reading if you love Yolen. I wouldn’t say to go look for it on its own, but if it’s in a collection you should read it for sure.
https://hercommonplaceblog.wordpress.com/
https://hercommonplaceblog.wordpress.com/
johannah's review
5.0
Is it a unicorn, or just a deer? The mystery binds two teens together as it serves different functions for each of them. Beautiful little story.
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