. This was my second read of the book and it was everything I remembered it to be. I wasn't disappointed at all.I won't rewrite the plot of this one since I've reviewed these books before. This was certainly a different experience than my first read of this story. The last time I read it, it was only my third Diana Wynne Jones book. Everything was fresh and unexpected. This time it was maybe my 20th book (including a Howl re-read) and so her style was much more comforting and apparent. I honestly can't say which read was better!
This was also a strange re-read for me because I totally remembered what was going to happen. Usually I have plot amnesia when it comes to re-reads. But almost from the moment I started this one, I remembered a large portion of it. I think it's a testament to the vivid quality of Diana Wynne Jones' writing. This is why I find myself regularly picking up these children's and young adult fantasy books. They're just fantastic at any age.
And so I hope that you've enjoyed Diana Wynne Jones Week. I definitely have! Thanks again to Jenny for creating and hosting the event. I hope that we do it again and that we have more new books to look forward to. I've found some new favorites and am going to keep re-reading my old ones. In fact, it probably won't be long before I pick up this Chrestomanci volume again to read The Lives of Christopher Chant.
Returning to the real world for a bit but not leaving this one behind,
K
Support our site and buy The Chronicles of Chrestomanci, Volume 1: Charmed Life / The Lives of Christopher Chant
on Amazon or find it at your local library. We, of course, own our own copy.
I'm a bit sad this is the last of your posts! I've been enjoying this love-fest as much as you have.
ReplyDeleteWith you on the plot amnesia not working so well on Jones. I have sometimes thought of compiling a reading list for myself in case I ever get real amnesia--make the most of it!
ReplyDeleteI'm excited that I have this & Lives of Christopher Chant waiting for me at the library! :D
ReplyDeleteI feel that I have more or less forgotten the plot of this, but I aspect it would indeed all come back to me if I started reading it again.
ReplyDeleteI'm also sad that DWJ Week had ended, but I'm so happy it was such a success! Hooray for spreading the DWJ love.
Jenny - It's been really great to see other people's takes on books I've read and get some direction on what to read next (besides my re-reads).
ReplyDeleteVilla - That would be funny! "These are the best books out there for a first read". Hmm ... now I want to make a list.
Eva - Awesome! They are great quick reads.
Nymeth - I think once you are exposed back into one of DWJ's worlds, the entire landscape unfolds ahead! And I loved reading your posts too. What a great idea Jenny had.