maggersdaggers 's review for:

The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard

4.5

adventurous challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

---

this was delightfully refreshing. The idea is original and interesting, the author gives us enough detail to make sense of the world but not so much that it becomes burdensome or tiring. The characters are all so familiar and close, and I felt myself get quickly attached to Odile’s success. I appreciate that the ending brings closure while leaving an openness appropriate for the situation, and I am SO glad, that for at least some time, Odile and Edme get their happy ending however brief. I think all of the labors Odile suffered makes that all the sweeter. Overall well done, I only wish it were just a bit longer. But that’s me being greedy. The language of this text is beautiful, the subject matter calls us to reflect and consider in thoughtful ways, and look at grief under new light.