Book Review

'Stardust'

Sameeha Suraiya

CAUGHT up in our own chaotic and bustling bubbles, at a mad scramble after whatever it is that we chase after, we the super busy folks of today, at some point or the other, feel something amiss. We ponder on and it hits us right then; we realize the cause of the uneasethe loss of magic and the thrill of the unknown. We seem to forget how it all feels to be able to dream again. Sometimes you just have to let go of the madness that we now term 'Life' and let your imagination take flight once moreit's about time you nudge out the inner child, and Neil Gaiman is here to do just that for you!

Gaiman is a multi-award winning author of short stories, comic books and a string of fantasy novels that invariably make their way to the bestseller lists. His accomplishments have won him a huge following of admiring fans who worship him with fervour usually reserved for rock stars.

Labeled as the reigning dark prince of fantasy literature, Gaiman takes out his readers on the most delightfully breath-stopping ride into a world that promises to be full of twists and turnsmore than you will ever be prepared for! An adult fairytale about love, danger, magic and adventure, 'Stardust' will keep you glued.

It all begins in the tiny village of Wall, the village that prides itself at being successful at keeping anything unnatural at bay by means of the high grey rock wall, from which the village takes its name. This wall comes from the woods and goes back into the woods completely encircling the village. There is only one break in the wall that leads into the forests and meadows beyond, the land of Faerie. Two guards are always there blocking this gap, letting no one pass through, and loosening grips only every nine yearsthe day when the fair comes to Wall and the small village buzzes with life and excitement. It is the day when the inhabitants of Faerie and Wall meet at the meadows to trade. The novel is set in the time space of three such fairs, the plot prodded into motion when Dunstan Thorn falls in love with the most enchanting woman, selling glass flowers of magical qualities. Years later, his son, Tristran Thorn, born in Faerie and brought up in Wall, longs to get out of the taciturn society.

Magical and strange events are soon underway. In a far-flung corner of Faerie, a dying king tosses his necklace out the windowthe necklace that would determine the one worthy ruler of his kingdomand so putting forwards a final test for his four sons fighting for the throne. The necklace instead of plunging beneath the high castle tower is carried upwards until it collides with a starand events are set into motion. Back in Wall, Tristran, hopelessly in love with the beautiful Victoria Forrester, promises to bring back the falling star they see while standing on a hillanything to win the cold heart of the ravishing Victoria. After the star also are the three ancient witches who know the heart of the star will restore their youth and beauty. And so the search for the fallen star begins.

Sparkling and fresh, 'Stardust' reads like a fairytale in a grand tradition. Bound in rich language, witty and full of good humour and not without a touch of darkness, Stardust is a must-read! Taking us back to a time when the world seemed more magical and fun, Stardust reminds you once again, that fairytales aren't only to be enjoyed by children, and that we are never too old to dream about far away worlds that may exist, just beyond the wall. So, you think you are up for it? Grab your copies, quick!

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