Scan barcode
A review by annettebooksofhopeanddreams
Deeplight by Frances Hardinge
4.0
Of course I had already heard about Hardinge. I even have a book on my shelves already, even though I didn’t read it yet. But, thanks to the Book Box Club, this was my official introduction to her work and after reading this book I certainly hope that I manage to finish the Lie Tree before we have the official meeting in the club house.
Because the first thing that truly stood out was the atmosphere, partly created by the enchanting and mesmerising writing style. Within a few chapters Hardinge had created a world that didn’t always make much sense, but that did feel vivid and alive and real.
And we’re discovering said Island through the eyes of Hark. It’s quite hard not to like Hark. He enjoys telling and crafting stories, winning hearts and trust from people even though he doesn’t always deserve it. And yet he also clearly cares about people, is loyal to them (a little too loyal even) and although he lives on the street, he’s not someone who hurts others.
He’s however struggling with his friend Jelt, who clearly shows signs of being an emotional abuser. Hardinge managed to really describe the nuance of that form of abuse, how hard it is to see it for what it is and to fight it. Watching the relationship between Jelt and Hark develop and seeing how Hark slowly learned and grew was a total pleasure.
Combine all of that with an amazing mythology and world building, with Gods who are mighty and terrifying and with a world that in a way also symbolises so many of the problems in our world and you get a beautiful and nice book that will certainly enchant you.
I’m totally looking forward to discover more of her work!
Because the first thing that truly stood out was the atmosphere, partly created by the enchanting and mesmerising writing style. Within a few chapters Hardinge had created a world that didn’t always make much sense, but that did feel vivid and alive and real.
And we’re discovering said Island through the eyes of Hark. It’s quite hard not to like Hark. He enjoys telling and crafting stories, winning hearts and trust from people even though he doesn’t always deserve it. And yet he also clearly cares about people, is loyal to them (a little too loyal even) and although he lives on the street, he’s not someone who hurts others.
He’s however struggling with his friend Jelt, who clearly shows signs of being an emotional abuser. Hardinge managed to really describe the nuance of that form of abuse, how hard it is to see it for what it is and to fight it. Watching the relationship between Jelt and Hark develop and seeing how Hark slowly learned and grew was a total pleasure.
Combine all of that with an amazing mythology and world building, with Gods who are mighty and terrifying and with a world that in a way also symbolises so many of the problems in our world and you get a beautiful and nice book that will certainly enchant you.
I’m totally looking forward to discover more of her work!