Compuserve Stardust Review

In the village of Wall is a wall. And on the other side of the wall is a mysterious meadow, which leads to another land very different from a quiet English village at the dawn of the Victorian era. Guards from the village bar entrance to the meadow except for once every nine years when the Faerie Market is held and traffic passes between the two worlds. Young Tristran Thorn will follow his dreams into the land beyond Wall and find magic and more. Neil Gaiman is a fantasy author whose work includes the SANDMAN graphic novels and the bestseller NEVERWHERE. In STARDUST he pays homage to writers like Cabell and C.S. Lewis who showed the world that there was an adult audience for fantasy. STARDUST follows Tristran as he searches for a fallen star to present to Victoria Forester, the loveliest girl in Wall. He will do this because he has sworn to perform this quest for Victoria and because if he does, she has promised to give Tristran anything he desires from her. The supporting characters of STARDUST are drawn with a deft touch.

The people of Wall represent all that is good and not so good about a small English village in the mid-19th century. But it’s in the land of Faerie that Tristran will learn much about kindness and helping and honor.And of course, of the true nature of love: “I am the most miserable person who ever lived,” he said to the Lord Primus… “You are young, and in love,” said Primus. “Every young man in your position is the most miserable young man who ever lived.” STARDUST is an absolutely delightful book, enhanced by stunning page designs. It has true love, quests, unicorns, witches and kingdoms lost and won. If you like Robin McKinley, Patricia McKillip and Goldman’s THE PRINCESS BRIDE you’ll love STARDUST.