A review by heatherinthenether
Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

This book took forever to really get into and is riddled with cringey lines, weird references, and uncomfortable moments, all of which are centered around the author's writing of women. The love interest is simultaneously the manic pixie dream girl, a fierce warrior, and an innocent child. It's weird. 

The story itself examines concepts of myth and the hero's journey and shared consciousness, and creates an intriguing story that brings to life several recurring themes in the story of humanity. An expanded version of this universe, written by someone less euro-centered and creepy about women, would be a phenomenal work.