The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
Published by Corsair
Ebook
Published 7 June 2012
247 pages
Owned
Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn't . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday.
With exquisite illustrations by acclaimed artist Ana Juan, Fairyland lives up to the sensation it created when the author first posted it online. For readers of all ages who love the charm of Alice in Wonderland and the soul of The Golden Compass, here is a reading experience unto itself: unforgettable, and so very beautiful.
EXTRACTOnce upon a time, a girl named September grew very tired indeed of her parent's house, where she washed the same pink-and-yellow teacups and matching gravy boats every day, slept on the same embroidered pillow, and played with the same small and amiable dog.
WHAT I THOUGHTI really enjoyed The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making. This is a well-written, fun and very entertaining. I love fairy-tales. This book reminded me of Alice in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass and to an extent, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. This is a good thing. I got lost in the strange world September finds herself plunged into and enjoyed accompanying her on her strange adventures. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making is the kind of book that's easy to enjoy. There is a lot of heart here and a lot of craziness as well - two things I adore. I also liked the illustrations at the start of every chapter. It was fun to get lost in Fairyland with September for a while. I might read the other books in the series as well. I'd recommend The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making.
