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maddie_reads_stuff's review against another edition
5.0
I haven't read the original Lovecraft story (and probably won't), but I loved this tale in its own right. It's everything I could want from a novella.
hagwife's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I absolutely loved this reclamation of space and voice within Lovecraft's work. Johnson's reimagining of Lovecraft's "The Dream Quest of Uknown Kadath" takes the best parts of the Dreamlands and gives them to Vellitt Boe, a Professor of Mathematics and once far-traveler who is now in her fifties. Vellitt as our heroine is phenomenal, giving space for reflection on lessons learned and lives past as well as for futures yet to be had. Vellitt's life is far from over as she begins her journey to the waking-world to find her wayward student.
The prose and styling of this story has a special place in my heart! Lovecraft's original tale is one of the few patterned after Lord Dunsany's works. (The other tale of his most famous for this is "The Cats of Ulthar", which is perhaps my favourite Lovecraft tale.) Johnson builds on that foundation to give a folk-tale feel to a decidedly science fiction piece. This little book has all the hallmarks of excellent novellas everywhere (The Hobbit, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Piranesi, etc.) and is an absolute delight.
I know that the pacing and outcome of the ending have divided a lot of readers. To me it feels right, for waking up is often a swift and unsettling change from dreaming.
The prose and styling of this story has a special place in my heart! Lovecraft's original tale is one of the few patterned after Lord Dunsany's works. (The other tale of his most famous for this is "The Cats of Ulthar", which is perhaps my favourite Lovecraft tale.) Johnson builds on that foundation to give a folk-tale feel to a decidedly science fiction piece. This little book has all the hallmarks of excellent novellas everywhere (The Hobbit, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Piranesi, etc.) and is an absolute delight.
I know that the pacing and outcome of the ending have divided a lot of readers. To me it feels right, for waking up is often a swift and unsettling change from dreaming.
chinarose's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the writing and the journey, but it was too brief!
patricknight's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
celtdrgn's review against another edition
adventurous
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
3.0
Interesting premise and an enjoyable read at first. However, the ending seemed rushed and disappointing, the way it was handled. Very anticlimactic.
inkwell's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
stellarian's review against another edition
4.0
What I liked best about this book was the vivid descriptions; the many varied landscapes of the dream world. For me, the end part wasn't entirely fulfilling and raised too many questions. How come Vellitt's student awakened so quickly and fully to her godly powers and how will she ever be able to get rid of the gods of the dream world if there are so very many of them? What will Vellitt do in the waking world? Why are there, in fact, no women great dreamers? Why is a world without gods inherently better?
It's been a long time since I read Lovecraft, and perhaps some of those answers would be clearer if I remembered more. As it stands, I enjoyed the story of Vellitt's travels but felt a little disappointed by the end. Maybe I should try to see it as the end of an old woman's life, as her world leaves her behind and the gate is locked, but even that doesn't make sense entirely. Ah well.
It's been a long time since I read Lovecraft, and perhaps some of those answers would be clearer if I remembered more. As it stands, I enjoyed the story of Vellitt's travels but felt a little disappointed by the end. Maybe I should try to see it as the end of an old woman's life, as her world leaves her behind and the gate is locked, but even that doesn't make sense entirely. Ah well.
traa's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75