Stardust by Neil GaimanFrom the back:
What happens when you make a promise to bring back a fallen star? Teenager Tristran Thorn is about to find out, as he ventures beyond the wall of his English countryside town. After falling in love with the hauntingly beautiful Victoria Forester, he sets out on a quest to fulfill his promise to his beloved—and stumbles into the magical realm that lies beyond.
My thoughts:
This is a beautiful fairy tale, full of magic, both good and bad, gorgeous women, brave men, mystical creatures and, of course, love. Tristran has to find his star, protect the star from others, including an evil witch and a Lord of Stormhold. He has help along the way, from various people and things. It has a happy ending, of course, where all the various story threads are tied up.
I would say this is a great story for the whole family, but there are a couple scenes that are not appropriate for kids. It’s a shame, really, because this would be a great story to listen to on a long car ride, one that we would all enjoy. Maybe in a year or two.
The only other book I’ve read by Gaiman is American Gods
My rating is 3.5/5.
I have not seen the movie yet, so I can’t compare the book to it. I would like to see it as some point in time, though.
Other information:
Stardust has won two awards:
- Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature, 1999
- Alex Award from the American Library Association, 2000
Neil Gaiman has a great webiste that you should visit.
You can purchase Stardust here
I just read my first Neil Gaiman book and I really enjoyed it. I want to read more – it looks like I should add American Gods to my wish list.
I’ve never read the book, the only Gaiman I’ve read was American Gods. I did really like the movie though…does that count? Probably not, that only counts in High School English class. “Whaddya mean, I gotta read Romeo and Juliet? Can’t I just watch the movie???” ;o)
You and bermudaonion are ahead of me. I haven’t read any…lol! Too many books and not enough time to read them all.
I’m reading Coraline now, which is my first Gaiman book. Stardust the book sounds interesting, but the movie put me to sleep during the first 10 minutes. Maybe I need to give it another shot.
I am so glad you enjoyed Stardust too! It was wonderful story and I loved Charles Vess’ drawings.
I borrowed this book from the libary but I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet. I’ve read a few of Gaiman’s stories like American Gods, Anansi’s Boys, and The Graveyard Book (BEST!). I also plan to read Coraline soon.