Thursday, March 15, 2012

Review: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, by Catherynne M. Valente

From Goodreads:

Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn’t . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday.

***

This book was an acquired taste for me.  When I started reading, I found it very hard to pay attention to.  The story was interesting enough, and the writing was beautiful, but it was wordy and difficult to push through.  I almost gave up on it a few chapters in, thinking that it wasn't moving quick enough for me, but the more I read, the more I grew to love it.  By the end of the book, I was wishing there was an entire series for me to read.  I absolutely fell in love with Valente's way of writing.  I devoured every description and savored every word up until the very last page.  September is a magnificent heroine who shows bravery and wit throughout the story.  I grew to love her and admire her (even if she is only 12 years old). 

The book is very clean.  There are several instances of action and peril, but nothing the intended audience can't handle.


Reading Level: Ages 10 and up
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (May 10, 2011)
Amazon
Goodreads Pin It

2 comments:

Deborah said...

I have never heard of this book. It sounds awesome! Thanks for the review.

I love when you can push through and it's worth it, but it's too bad you have to push through to begin with.

Shan @ Teatime Books said...

Love the title of this book! Great review (: