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A review by krish_
Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
5.0
My reaction to this book is fittingly more sombre than my reaction to Unearthly. I almost wish it came with a warning for how emotional this was going to be. Read enough YA and you become conditioned, most times, to expect "okay" to "fun" books. But its the likes of Marchetta, for myself anyway, and with books like Jellicoe Road, that I keep taking the plunge, flipping the covers hoping that the story contained in them is something worthwhile. Which is why it surprised the hell out of me when I was left feeling both slightly numb but also winded, not knowing quite where it came from but hitting me, nonetheless, all in a sudden rush.
Its funny how Hallowed is a book about angels yet the message in it (excuse the pun) is unabashedly human. It calls to the forefront of the mind the very human eventualities we must all bear in the short span of our mortal lives. Hand chooses, maybe selectively but perhaps not, some of the more difficult life obstacles. It weighs you down with the impending doom that is Clara's apparent future. And even though her troubles are in the forms of heavenly destiny, visions and fallen angels, they stand as no more than metaphors to the battles we fight very similarly in our everyday lives.
There's a certain grandness to the way Hand presents the hardships of life, the painful decisions that will one day be called upon us, that makes it all somehow seem endurable. Its a determined grandness, slightly romantic but definitely resolute, like finally dusting yourself off, lifting your head and taking that first step towards what's coming; some of that may even be defeat, a resignation to the trials of life because you can't always fight against what the universe throws at you. Accept and persevere and your true character will be decided. But Hand writes in a way that envisions within me a warrior that faces suffering head-on, and one that delights in silent confidence at the mission of overcoming it. Hallowed may not be heavy-handed or preachy, but it does compel us to hold faith, and it also explores the virtue of long-suffering in all its layers of meaning and manifestations.
She brings up so many things in this book both adolescent and mature; appropriately so as Clara is on the verge of adulthood. Some things are so nostalgic and innocent like the fantasy of having Superman and Superwoman for parents, so childlike. Having the memory of looking up at our parents as children and thinking they can do anything, to have that realized is so sweet and comforting. Others are more serious and cautionary like finally growing up and owning up to our responsibilities. Knowing that Hand is a college professor, it seems reasonable that this book might also be a gentle, reassuring nudge to young adults. A small life is hard, but you can do it pat on the back kind of thing. It is possible to brave death and loss, maneuver one's way through confusion and uncertainty and, finally, to figure out things like what we want to be when we grow up. But of course it isn't just for the young. These messages are universal. Regardless of age and experience, I don't think we ever thwart fear when in the threshold of change. We just bear it better as we live longer.
But aside from that, it was just good storytelling. Its an interesting story with great characters that you come to care for. Its refreshing as well that it doesn't fall under the usual traps of this genre, as many reviews have pointed out. They're there but they're done well. The parents are present and loving, the best friends are honest and true, the bitchy popular girl even has some unexpected depth. And yes, yes, I love me some Tucker and Christian. But I am, forever, Tucker's girl. I'll go no further -- but if Hand is reading this, I am staring daggers at you, wagging a very threatening finger and wearing a shirt that says I'll be watching. Just sayin'.
So, I loved the book. I took away a lot from the book. I won't say OMG its the bestest of all YA's ever in life like ever!! It isn't as openly profound as others I've read. Some may even see nothing more than a run-of-the-mill teen fantasy book. But I am at the moment blind to all its faults (if I cared to count any). I don't know if this review gives enough sufficient information, instead of just another rambling post of my incoherent thoughts. But I don't want to say anymore, mainly because its a feeling I want to keep for myself. And I don't want to sell this book too hard...because if you don't give it a try, believe me, its your loss.
Its funny how Hallowed is a book about angels yet the message in it (excuse the pun) is unabashedly human. It calls to the forefront of the mind the very human eventualities we must all bear in the short span of our mortal lives. Hand chooses, maybe selectively but perhaps not, some of the more difficult life obstacles. It weighs you down with the impending doom that is Clara's apparent future. And even though her troubles are in the forms of heavenly destiny, visions and fallen angels, they stand as no more than metaphors to the battles we fight very similarly in our everyday lives.
There's a certain grandness to the way Hand presents the hardships of life, the painful decisions that will one day be called upon us, that makes it all somehow seem endurable. Its a determined grandness, slightly romantic but definitely resolute, like finally dusting yourself off, lifting your head and taking that first step towards what's coming; some of that may even be defeat, a resignation to the trials of life because you can't always fight against what the universe throws at you. Accept and persevere and your true character will be decided. But Hand writes in a way that envisions within me a warrior that faces suffering head-on, and one that delights in silent confidence at the mission of overcoming it. Hallowed may not be heavy-handed or preachy, but it does compel us to hold faith, and it also explores the virtue of long-suffering in all its layers of meaning and manifestations.
She brings up so many things in this book both adolescent and mature; appropriately so as Clara is on the verge of adulthood. Some things are so nostalgic and innocent like the fantasy of having Superman and Superwoman for parents, so childlike
Spoiler
not to mention bad ass! Like woah, Clara's dad is a full on Angel, like no kidding, holy awesome (thanks, Angela) and Mr. Phibbs, like what!! I knew I liked him!!!But aside from that, it was just good storytelling. Its an interesting story with great characters that you come to care for. Its refreshing as well that it doesn't fall under the usual traps of this genre, as many reviews have pointed out. They're there but they're done well. The parents are present and loving, the best friends are honest and true, the bitchy popular girl even has some unexpected depth. And yes, yes, I love me some Tucker and Christian. But I am, forever, Tucker's girl. I'll go no further -- but if Hand is reading this, I am staring daggers at you, wagging a very threatening finger and wearing a shirt that says I'll be watching. Just sayin'.
So, I loved the book. I took away a lot from the book. I won't say OMG its the bestest of all YA's ever in life like ever!! It isn't as openly profound as others I've read. Some may even see nothing more than a run-of-the-mill teen fantasy book. But I am at the moment blind to all its faults (if I cared to count any). I don't know if this review gives enough sufficient information, instead of just another rambling post of my incoherent thoughts. But I don't want to say anymore, mainly because its a feeling I want to keep for myself. And I don't want to sell this book too hard...because if you don't give it a try, believe me, its your loss.