Scan barcode
A review by thepurplebookwyrm
The Narrow Road Between Desires: A Kingkiller Chronicle Novella by Patrick Rothfuss
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
The Narrow Road Between Desires follows a day in the life of Bast, older Kvothe’s charming, but rather mysterious Fae friend, apprentice and employee. More specifically, this tale offers the reader a glimpse into the daily deals Bast strikes with the local children, and the often-conflicting desires – nestled in his heart of hearts – that move and motivate him to do what he does.
Now, since I loved the main novels of The Kingkiller Chronicles, and the series’ first companion novella, The Slow Regard of Silent Things – both of which I first read last year – I am very glad to say I thoroughly enjoyed this second companion novella as well. It was a pleasure to experience Mr Rothfuss’ prose again, and to learn a few crumbs of new (or at least new to me) lore about Temerant’s Faen, and their magic.
I also, quite simply, enjoyed getting a closer look at Bast, and found his character pretty interesting overall. More than that, however, I really appreciated the subtle, and respectful way abuse, and related trauma, were portrayed in this book… and the quiet, but very believable compassion Bast was shown to express in response to both. It is so heartening to see The Kingkiller Chronicles’ genuine valuing of kindness, compassion and gentleness of spirit hold true across all of the series’ related tales.
Given all that, and regardless of the controversy surrounding this specific publication, I would warmly and confidently recommend this novella to any fan of The Kingkiller Chronicles who has not yet read it. 🙂
Now, since I loved the main novels of The Kingkiller Chronicles, and the series’ first companion novella, The Slow Regard of Silent Things – both of which I first read last year – I am very glad to say I thoroughly enjoyed this second companion novella as well. It was a pleasure to experience Mr Rothfuss’ prose again, and to learn a few crumbs of new (or at least new to me) lore about Temerant’s Faen, and their magic.
I also, quite simply, enjoyed getting a closer look at Bast, and found his character pretty interesting overall. More than that, however, I really appreciated the subtle, and respectful way abuse, and related trauma, were portrayed in this book… and the quiet, but very believable compassion Bast was shown to express in response to both. It is so heartening to see The Kingkiller Chronicles’ genuine valuing of kindness, compassion and gentleness of spirit hold true across all of the series’ related tales.
Given all that, and regardless of the controversy surrounding this specific publication, I would warmly and confidently recommend this novella to any fan of The Kingkiller Chronicles who has not yet read it. 🙂