Book Review: Stardust by Neil Gaiman

This is going to be a shorter review for a few reasons:

1.) I am ridiculously behind on my book reviews.

2.)  I’m pretty sure I am one of the last people on earth to read this book.  That’s right, everyone AND their Mom has read this already.  I’m late to the game yet again.

3.) It’s Neil freaking Gaiman.  If you are not already a fan, what are you doing with your life? Don’t worry, I remember my pre-Gaiman years too.  Come to the light!

4.) Did I mention I am really behind on my book reviews?  I wasn’t kidding, I am sitting 10 book reviews deep.  Send help.

Author: Neil Gaiman

Genre: Fantasy

Version: Audiobook (6h 27min listening length)

Narrator: Neil Gaiman

Publisher:  HarperAudio

Source: Hoopla

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Book Synopsis:

Young Tristran Thorn will do anything to win the cold heart of beautiful Victoria—even fetch her the star they watch fall from the night sky. But to do so, he must enter the unexplored lands on the other side of the ancient wall that gives their tiny village its name. Beyond that old stone wall, Tristran learns, lies Faerie—where nothing, not even a fallen star, is what he imagined.

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My Thoughts:

After discovering Neil Gaiman earlier this year, I vowed to work my way through ALL of his books.  While browsing though his works, Stardust immediately caught my eye.  Once I read the blurb, it was all over.  I immediately downloaded it and dove right in.  I didn’t think it was possible, but I think I enjoyed this one even more than The Graveyard Book.  I really don’t know how he does it.  In two short books Neil Gaiman has wormed his way into my heart and has earned a spot as one of my favorite authors.

“I am the most miserable person who ever lived,” he said… “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 the story of Tristran Thorn and how his love for Victoria Forester takes him on a wild goose chase to catch a falling star ((and put it in his pocket? Never let it fade away? Sorry, I couldn’t resist.  This was a song reference if you have no idea what I am babbling about)) When Tristran comes upon the fallen star at long last, it is definitely not what he was anticipating.  Tristran’s journey is full of unexpected twists and turns.  Will Tristran ever make it home to deliver the star to Victoria?  Will they live happily ever after?

I guess you are going to have to read the book to find out 🙂

Neil weaves such a beautiful fairytale full of magic, adventure, and love.  Who says adults grow out of fairytales?  Clearly this one hasn’t!  This is one of those stories that has a few different plot lines going at the same time, though it is not clear at first how they all are going to come together.  I love how Gaiman cleverly blends the different stories together and how everything comes around full circle. 

“Every lover is, in his heart, a madman, and, in his head, a minstrel.”

I’ve got two words for you: Tristran Thorn.

Can we talk about Tristran Thorn for a minute?  ((insert sigh here)) Tristran is my new book boyfriend.  I loved everything about him.  I loved his sweet and caring nature, I loved his positive outlook on life, I loved his patience, and I loved his tenacity.   Did I mention he is a hopeless romantic?  Ladies, this is the type of boyfriend (book and in real life) you all should have, and not the “bad boys.”  I will tell you all what I am going tell my daughter one day: you have a quick fling with the bad boy (girl), but you marry the good guy (girl).  Trust me on this one, you’ll thank me later.

I listened to Stardust via audiobook, because it is narrated by THE Neil Gaiman himself… Duh.  I cannot stress enough the gloriousness that is Neil Gaiman’s narration.  He has such a smooth and soothing voice that has this incredible way of putting me in a trance like state.  I don’t think I will ever read one of his books in print form… Don’t worry Neil, you can still count on me to go and buy up all your books.  I simply must possess them.  Rest assured they will hold a spot of honor on my shelves.

If you are a fan of fairytales, than I strongly encourage you to pick this book up.  I don’t think you will regret it.  I haven’t seen the movie adaptation yet, but from what I’ve read it is very different from the book.  It has been  mentioned that the movie is more family friendly, while the book includes more mature content.  Can I get a fact check on this from someone who has both read the book and seen the movie?  Thanks in advance.

“Have been unavoidably detained by the world. Expect us when you see us.”

*I would like to note that I would classify Stardust as older YA (16+) to adult.  There is a sex scene early on that’s fairly descriptive and a few scenes that are a tad on the graphic side.  One scene in particular which I think Neil caught a fair amount of backlash for…I mean I don’t think anyone has ever killed off this particular mythical creature before…  Bottom line: this is definitely NOT a middle grade book.

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My Rating:

*4.5 stars

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Book Recommendations:

» Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Yes Ella Enchanted is a middle grade book, but it was my favorite book when I was young and it has a similar feel to Stardust.

*Just a reminder that Stardust is NOT a middle grade book*

» The Princess Bride by William Goldman

» The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien

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About the Author:

I make things up and write them down. Which takes us from comics (like SANDMAN) to novels (like ANANSI BOYS and AMERICAN GODS) to short stories (some are collected in SMOKE AND MIRRORS) and to occasionally movies (like Dave McKean’s MIRRORMASK or the NEVERWHERE TV series, or my own short film A SHORT FILM ABOUT JOHN BOLTON).

In my spare time I read and sleep and eat and try to keep the blog at http://www.neilgaiman.com more or less up to date.

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