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A review by ellebibliotecario
The Way Back by Gavriel Savit
3.0
I cannot deny that this book is different and beautifully crafted; the fantastical elements that sometimes leaned into horror reminded me of Pan's Labyrinth: surreal, intriguing yet unsettling in its atmosphere and otherworldliness. The Way Back follows two main characters as they travel from their simple hometown and make their way into the fantastical Far Country and return to their starting point transformed. It's a hero's journey that has been done many times before, but Gavriel's gorgeous writing and how he enriched this journey through a Jewish folklore lens made for one of the most unique reads I've have read this year. I totally understand why this book was shortlisted for the National Book Award and think it deserves praise.
While I can note all of these great qualities as book, as a reader who enjoys fully immersing herself in her reading and bonding with the characters, this was not a pleasurable read. It was intriguing and halfway through I was invested on how it would end, but it was a sloooow read not only because it was challenging in its themes and mythology, but I did not care much for the two main characters. I do not think I was the right reader for this book, and that is okay. I thought I saw somewhere that this may be classified as a middle grade book? I do not think I would agree with that conclusion and would, in my make-believe public library, place it in young adult.
Whether I found this book enjoyable or not. I will keep this book in mind for a reader interested in atmospheric, well crafted writing with a new spin on a hero's journey in a strange land.
While I can note all of these great qualities as book, as a reader who enjoys fully immersing herself in her reading and bonding with the characters, this was not a pleasurable read. It was intriguing and halfway through I was invested on how it would end, but it was a sloooow read not only because it was challenging in its themes and mythology, but I did not care much for the two main characters. I do not think I was the right reader for this book, and that is okay. I thought I saw somewhere that this may be classified as a middle grade book? I do not think I would agree with that conclusion and would, in my make-believe public library, place it in young adult.
Whether I found this book enjoyable or not. I will keep this book in mind for a reader interested in atmospheric, well crafted writing with a new spin on a hero's journey in a strange land.