Tuesday 11 June 2013

URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: Raven Girl - Audrey Niffenegger

Release Date: 02/05/13
Publisher:  Jonathan Cape

SYNOPSIS:

Once there was a Postman who fell in love with a Raven. So begins the tale of a postman who encounters a fledgling raven while on the edge of his route and decides to take her home. The unlikely couple falls in love and conceives a child - an extraordinary raven girl trapped in a human body. The raven girl feels imprisoned by her arms and legs and covets wings and the ability to fly. Betwixt and between, she reluctantly grows into a young woman, until one day she meets an unorthodox doctor who is willing to change her. One of the world's most beloved storytellers has created a dark fairytale full of wonderment and longing. Illustrated with Audrey Niffenegger's bewitching etchings and paintings, "Raven Girl" explores the bounds of transformation and possibility.


REVIEW:

To be honest this was a bit of a strange book and whilst it was an OK read, it wasn’t until the final pages that I discovered that it was a story that was written for a ballet rather than a book. In that sense it works quite well and the artwork, whilst having an almost childish quality to it, works well enough to bring it across.

However were this just a book I don’t think it would get that much acclaim except for the fact that the authors name will sell this. It is OK and whilst I don’t think it will be for most people it will be a book that might inspire some household dances for the young girl at home. Sadly though, all round perhaps more a collectable rather than a book to read time and again.




1 comment:

Clare said...

Now that you mention it,it does sound like a classic ballet, but it also has an ancient fairy tale feel to it as well. I found the story setup captivating. There must be more depth to the story, perhaps how children are both blessed and cursed by their parents.