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juushikaTitle: Memory and Dream
Author: Charles de Lint
Published: New York: A Tor Book, 1994
Page Count: 400
Total Page Count: 36,757
Text Number: 105
Read For: my own enjoyment, checked out from the library
Short review: Isabelle is an artist with a unique ability: some of her paintings open a doorway between our world and the otherworld, allowing spirits from the otherworld to enter our. These beings, which she calls her numena, are their own people, with thoughts and feelings of their own. They are also in danger: her mentor, the renowned painter Rushkin who taught her to bring over these beings, poses a threat to both Isabelle and her numena. Events in the present—the publication of her friend Kathy’s posthumous book—force Isabelle to return to her memories of the past in order to determine the cause of Kathy’s death and protect both herself and her numena from Rushkin’s influence. A magical story within our own real world, Thought and Memory is skillfully although not exceptionally plotted and written. The plot, pacing, and writing style are all very solid, and the fantastical element is original and creative. This is a good book: not exceptional, not outstanding, but well-written, readable, and solidly carried through to the end.
De Lint’s writing style is consistent and strong, so while neither the plot nor the characters are exceptional, this is still a solid and readable book. The basis of the story—magic appearing in the "real world" and Isabelle’s numena—is an interesting idea, but seems somewhat unrealistic. If set in a fantasy world, or if appearing in a magical realist text, the fantastical elements would seem more at home; here, in the real non-magical world, they are not naturally accepted by the characters. However, the characters, including those that are introduced to the numena very abruptly, all seem to accept the existence of magic as it suits the plot. This gives both plot and characters a contrived, self-serving sense, limiting the veracity of the book.
Adding to this the fact that the characters are not exceptionally realistic, detailed, or groundbreaking, and that the plot doesn’t provide too much food for thought, and the underlying aspects of this book are interesting but not particularly fulfilling. Dilemmas aren’t troubling, character growth isn’t empowering.
De Lint’s writing style is constant and strong, even when the book leaves the realms of memory and delves into the surprisingly active period of the now. While not quotable or exceptional, the writing is readable, well paced, and consistent throughout, and this strength supports the rest of the book. The ending could easily deteriorate into an empty action sequence, but (to my surprise) never does. The author successfully pulls the plot concept through to the end, making the book a satisfying read. As a whole, this is a very competent text, readable and entertaining, but not outstanding or memorable. I don’t recommend it one way or the other: this is a fine book, but not compelling, and doesn’t warrant recommending—or warning away from. Read it if you want, but you’re not missing much if you skip it.
Review posted here at Amazon.com.
Author: Charles de Lint
Published: New York: A Tor Book, 1994
Page Count: 400
Total Page Count: 36,757
Text Number: 105
Read For: my own enjoyment, checked out from the library
Short review: Isabelle is an artist with a unique ability: some of her paintings open a doorway between our world and the otherworld, allowing spirits from the otherworld to enter our. These beings, which she calls her numena, are their own people, with thoughts and feelings of their own. They are also in danger: her mentor, the renowned painter Rushkin who taught her to bring over these beings, poses a threat to both Isabelle and her numena. Events in the present—the publication of her friend Kathy’s posthumous book—force Isabelle to return to her memories of the past in order to determine the cause of Kathy’s death and protect both herself and her numena from Rushkin’s influence. A magical story within our own real world, Thought and Memory is skillfully although not exceptionally plotted and written. The plot, pacing, and writing style are all very solid, and the fantastical element is original and creative. This is a good book: not exceptional, not outstanding, but well-written, readable, and solidly carried through to the end.
De Lint’s writing style is consistent and strong, so while neither the plot nor the characters are exceptional, this is still a solid and readable book. The basis of the story—magic appearing in the "real world" and Isabelle’s numena—is an interesting idea, but seems somewhat unrealistic. If set in a fantasy world, or if appearing in a magical realist text, the fantastical elements would seem more at home; here, in the real non-magical world, they are not naturally accepted by the characters. However, the characters, including those that are introduced to the numena very abruptly, all seem to accept the existence of magic as it suits the plot. This gives both plot and characters a contrived, self-serving sense, limiting the veracity of the book.
Adding to this the fact that the characters are not exceptionally realistic, detailed, or groundbreaking, and that the plot doesn’t provide too much food for thought, and the underlying aspects of this book are interesting but not particularly fulfilling. Dilemmas aren’t troubling, character growth isn’t empowering.
De Lint’s writing style is constant and strong, even when the book leaves the realms of memory and delves into the surprisingly active period of the now. While not quotable or exceptional, the writing is readable, well paced, and consistent throughout, and this strength supports the rest of the book. The ending could easily deteriorate into an empty action sequence, but (to my surprise) never does. The author successfully pulls the plot concept through to the end, making the book a satisfying read. As a whole, this is a very competent text, readable and entertaining, but not outstanding or memorable. I don’t recommend it one way or the other: this is a fine book, but not compelling, and doesn’t warrant recommending—or warning away from. Read it if you want, but you’re not missing much if you skip it.
Review posted here at Amazon.com.
