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A review by thattheatrekid
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
What. A. Beautiful. Book.
This is one of those reads that leaves you speechless, processing, and wanting to recommend it to every book lover whilst completely unable to articulate what it’s about. The Starless Sea was a masterpiece and a tribute to reading itself. As for plot or even the most basic idea of the story…I can’t find the words because the whole tapestry that is this book is so enormously complex. The smallest details are called back throughout the book, and the ending is perfectly tied with all the motifs yet still leaving you with questions. You are putting the pieces together with Zachary and it is the furthest thing from predictable.
And the WRITING. Never have I encountered such captivating writing; every sentence was carefully crafted.
I’ve seen many people saying that the many small stories told throughout the book are distracting and frustrating. However for me they were one of the best parts! Every one was relevant or metaphorically related to the main plot, and were so creatively well done.
As for why I had to remove .5 stars…
The book moved rather slowly in the middle. Not as slowly as everyone is saying since I had no problem continuing to turn the pages, but the plot slowed down and became very distorted. Characters were introduced that never got a full resolution. I don’t understand the Eleanor/Simon plot much at all. How do they know each other? Why are they separated? The ending also confused me. Why did the keeper and mirabel kiss? That was weird; and I see that Dorian and Zachary became a guardian and keeper but what does that mean? What do they do now? Furthermore, all the romance elements were very rushed and I didn’t like them because there wasn’t a good reason for them to exist.
Lastly the characters were rather flat. Did I care and was I still very much invested? No and yes. But if you’re someone who can’t get past that you’ll be frustrated. This book isn’t a straightforward, clear cut story with a plot and characters; it’s full of twists, turns, loops, rabbit trails, metaphors and double meanings. A puzzle within a book. You aren’t here for the character development or even the plot, but for the journey and this love letter to stories.
This is one of those reads that leaves you speechless, processing, and wanting to recommend it to every book lover whilst completely unable to articulate what it’s about. The Starless Sea was a masterpiece and a tribute to reading itself. As for plot or even the most basic idea of the story…I can’t find the words because the whole tapestry that is this book is so enormously complex. The smallest details are called back throughout the book, and the ending is perfectly tied with all the motifs yet still leaving you with questions. You are putting the pieces together with Zachary and it is the furthest thing from predictable.
And the WRITING. Never have I encountered such captivating writing; every sentence was carefully crafted.
I’ve seen many people saying that the many small stories told throughout the book are distracting and frustrating. However for me they were one of the best parts! Every one was relevant or metaphorically related to the main plot, and were so creatively well done.
As for why I had to remove .5 stars…
The book moved rather slowly in the middle. Not as slowly as everyone is saying since I had no problem continuing to turn the pages, but the plot slowed down and became very distorted. Characters were introduced that never got a full resolution.
Lastly the characters were rather flat. Did I care and was I still very much invested? No and yes. But if you’re someone who can’t get past that you’ll be frustrated. This book isn’t a straightforward, clear cut story with a plot and characters; it’s full of twists, turns, loops, rabbit trails, metaphors and double meanings. A puzzle within a book. You aren’t here for the character development or even the plot, but for the journey and this love letter to stories.