Author: Catherynne M. Valente
Publication date: May 10th 2011 by Feiwel & Friends
Hmmm ... it has been a while since I last touched fantasy book. I have been so in the mood to read something magical, so there you go! I have this thing of curiosity when it comes to books with extremely long titles. I don't know if it's a coincidence of not, but so far, I find them satisfying.
First and foremost, this is my first time reading Valente's book. I have never heard about her before but it turns out that she's a pretty productive author, which is great. I saw The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making for the first time on recommendation by Goodreads and keep my eyes on this series ever since. As some of you may know, I am not one of those who read books as soon as they're released, especially when it comes to series. I wait for a few books to come out first before I start reading because I just don't like waiting.
If I have to describe the novel in two words, it would be "extremely whimsical". Everything on this book is whimsical, the cover, the writing style, the dialogue, the characters, the narration, everything! I read many fantasy books in my life, but not ever once I come across something similar. Well, maybe I have, but still this book is different.
The first impression of The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making is like the famous Alice in Wonderland, but so much darker. Both are about a girl who traveled to the other world and had to face the mean queen. I love the way Valente describe Fairyland. Her imagination also limitless. It's as if I was traveling there myself. Valente has this gift of being expert in using fancy and whimsical words which make the book enjoyable to both younger readers and adult.
The main character, September is an awesome heroine. She's even a lot cooler that heroines in YA dystopian novels nowadays. She's only 11 but very brave, she alone makes this book very special. Oh, the least few chapters are packed with actions and twist and turns that I didn't want the book to end (I usually can't wait to reach the last page). Speaking of which, here are some favorite quotes of mine. This one quite make sense, actually:
One ought not to judge her: all children are Heartless. They have not grown a heart yet, which is why they can climb tall trees and say shocking things and leap so very high grown-up heart flutters in terror. Hearts weight quite a lot. That is why it takes so long to grow one.This one, my dearest readers, made dab a lot of tears ...
"When spring comes, I shall meet you at the Municipal Library, and you will see how much I've learned! You'll be so proud of me and love me so!"
"Oh Ell, but I do love you! Right now!"
"One can bear more love," the Wyverary purred.
5 rating for The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, without a doubt. This is the sweetest book I read in this year. I strongly recommend this book to those of you who look for something to warm your heart and those who'd love to entice their children to read. I am so looking forward to continue to book #2! What about you? have you read any other Valente's works? What's the sweetest book you read so far?
