It's been really far too long since I picked up a magical realism novel. I somehow forget how much I deeply enjoy them once I've started. I love their wandering pace, the little details, the magic that is just a normal part of everyday life, and the cultural tones that are often from the Hispanic world that reminds me so much of home. I love them. Steifvater has pulled this sort of magic into her realm in this novel, and made it her own, with all the same notes that I generally love in a good magical realism novel (Like Water for Chocolate, or 100 Years of Solitude, were both in mind as I read). The characters were definitely classic Stiefvater--real and able to jump off the page at a whim. The world was a new one, and I enjoyed the way that she played with it, giving it breath and life, and for me a deep longing for places I miss. The story was a good one, it wandered and told fun little side stories, and honestly anyone who has read a Esquivel novel will totally feel the same themes and tones. It was a delicious read for me, and one I'd recommend to those who have a deep hankering for a throughly classic magical realism novel.
Do you have a favorite magical realism book?
Cool cover, and a good review!
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