ISBN: 9780061142024
See also: Film’s site ; BlogCritics ; Once Upon a Time Reading Challenge
There was once a young man who wished to gain his Heart’s Desire.
And while that is, as beginnings go, not entirely novel (for every tale about every young man there ever was or will could start in a similar manner) there was much about this young man and what happened to him that was unusual although even he never knew the whole of it.
When Tristran Thorn heads off into Faerie to find a star he has no idea of what is about to happen. All he cares is that the beautiful Victoria has promised that she will grant whatever he wishes if he brings the star that she saw fall.
This is very much in the style of a fairy tale, so you can expect a hero and a damsel in distress, not to mention some wicked characters along the way. But that is a positive, not a negative remark, and while some of the elements of the book are to be expected it isn’t in any way predictable or boring. Tristram is a wonderful hero, if slightly dense at times, and I particularly enjoyed the character of Yvaine.
The language used is wonderful, makes the story easy to read as well as being hugely entertaining and enjoyable. It’s just a pity that my edition didn’t have the illustrations of other versions.
So glad you enjoyed it. Great, concise review. As I have before, I highly recommend both the illustrated version and the audio version with Neil Gaiman reading the tale…they are both well worth the price.
We'll see Carl, we'll see :)
So glad you enjoyed it! There's actually a brand new illustrated version with illustrations once again by Charles Vess coming out in May. I'm very excited about that one. Gaiman's one of my favorite authors.
I really enjoyed this book too. I read it last year and it was my first Gaiman. No, wait, Good Omens was my first Gaiman. Nevermind! Still a great read. I am looking forward to seeing the movie.
Chris, I'll have to keep my eye out for that one. Gaiman is one of my favourite authors too.
Kailana, Good Omens is one of my favourite books. Love Pratchett too so the combination is fantastic.
Glad you enjoyed it! Stardust is one of my favourite books, and Yvaine is a great character.
<li class="authorcomment"> She really is, isn't she?
Good Omens is great too, I revisited it recently. Got to agree that the Pratchett/Gaiman combination is excellent.
<li class="authorcomment">I've already said this, but whats the harm in repetition, but it is one of my favourite books ever. Must be nearly time for me to reread it :)
I just finished this book. I thought it was wonderful but I'm sorry I don't have the illustrated version or the audio.