Title : The Girl Who Chased The Moon
Author : Sarah Addison Allen
Publication date : March 16th 2010
by Bantam
I fell in love with Allen's work at the first read. When I read her novel The Peach Keeper a few years ago, I knew she was special. So, I decided I have to read her every books. To me, her books are like dessert, sweet, rich and always satisfying.
Just like her other novels, The Girl Who Chased The Moon is set in a small town. Emily Benedict is 17 year-old girl who moved to her mother's hometown, Mullaby to live with her grandfather after her mother's death. Feeling awkward and unaccepted, she was now facing some unknown facts about her mother's past. Julia Winterson, a local baker and restaurant owner came to her, introducing herself as a friend of Emily's mother. The Girl Who Chased The Moon is a story of these two women in this magical town of Mullaby.
Did I say that Allen's writing is sweet? Well, this one is no different. I had no expectation for this book. I only wanted some fluffy and easy read after after digesting some historical fiction novels. The Girl Who Chased The Moon is more than a fluffy read, it is actually meaningful. This is what I love about Allen's work. She has this gift of crafting from something simple, adding a bit magical stuff here and there, then throw happiness effortlessly to her readers as if pulling it out of thin air. This novel is sweet, meaningful and magical. An auto-love combo for my taste.
I also find the characters on this book to be lovable. Although Emily was a 17 year-old girl, she did not show any annoying teenagers traits. Well, frankly, I've had enough of it, and I am glad this is not the case. Emily is a sweet character, actually and I love how she and Julia interacts. Both women had their own insecurities, and they develop smoothly as the plot continues.
Looking back, she found that she could forgive him because it has been her fault for putting her happiness in the hands of someone else.
I wish this book a bit thicker. It's addictive and 250 pages long (approximately) is clearly not enough. Or is it just me being addicted to it? I have no idea. What I know is, Sarah Addison Allen deserves more attention and I do wonder how it would turn out, in case Hollywood is going to film one of her books. Would they interpret the magic well, or maybe magical realism is something only book readers can enjoy?
He gave a short laugh at how far head of himself he was getting. He might be tall enough to see into tomorrow, but he hadn't look there in long, long time. He'd forgotten how bright it was. So bright he could hardly stand it.5 rating for The Girl Who Chased The Moon. I seriously recommend this to those of you who are looking for something different in chicklit or contemporary fiction. I wonder if any of you have read Sarah Addison Allen's novels. What is it? What do you think of it? Are you a fan of magical realism as well?
