Stardust

Tristran Thorn is a fairly ordinary young man, though unaware of his exotic origins. Madly in love with a young woman he vows extravagantly to bring her her heart's desire. Amused but contemptuous she orders him to bring back a falling star, which has landed over the Wall that separates the land of Faerie from the mundane Victorian rustic world. So off he goes to face perilous events, where he meets with witches, murderous elven lordsvying for the right to rule, a fallen star turned into a rather belligerent young woman, a unicorn, all sorts of spells and magical traps - even flying pirates!

Once again I have read a Neil Gaiman book and been amazed at its freshness and originality, even though as ever Gaiman is extolling the value and importance of story and storytelling, showing how we can enrich ourselves despite our harassed, mundane world by immersing ourselves in fantasy. Of course Gaiman shows us that the world of fantasy isnt necessarily something light, beautiful, and having a happy ending. He well knows the origin of our European fairy stories, which in their original form, straight from the lips of peasants who were repeating them as they had heard them from their own elders,were full of darker passions, cruelty, murder and violence. It was only later that the savagery and horrific incidents were glossed over or softened to become suitable for children.

Gaiman has succeeded in producing a modern take on the fairy story, and it is mainly for adults, with one four letter word and a rather graphic sex scene not meant for children. There is wit and humour, quirky characterisation, surprising plot developments, familiar fairytale elements, especially the coming of age quest trope,and a rather poignant ending. Gaiman sails through it all with aplomb and respect for his sources, and all in all it is a fun read. A delightful book.