Krista Reviews: Neil Gaiman's - "Stardust" (anniversary edition)

Published March 29, 2013
Category: Krista's Reviews, Reviews

STARDUST: Gift Edition by Neil Gaiman

Tristran Thorn will do anything to win the cold heart of beautiful Victoria Forester—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 stone barrier, Tristran learns, lies Faerie . . . and the most exhilarating adventure of the young man’s life.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman comes a tale of the dark and miraculous—a quest for true love and the utterly impossible.

Tristan, a young strong and determined man decides to win the heart of the fair, Victoria. To do that, he must cross the wall to get her a fallen star. This is a fairy tale story for adults, full of dark characters, some sexual relationships and a little cursing. The story pivots on Tristan showing his love for a girl by getting her a gift that she cannot refuse. His travels through the lands beyond the wall will not only test his true feelings for Victoria, but he will learn a truth about himself and his destiny.

Tristan Thorn, a naive and overly optimistic boy runs into the star-turned-girl, Yvaine. Yvaine has had a very rough landing. She’s in pain and kind of pissed off that she fell in the first place. Not only do several people desire her as their own, but she’s stuck with a young Tristan, a newcomer to the land. Together they have to endure many struggles before they can finally get back home.

This story is very imaginative, yet not as humorous as I suppose I was expecting. It has a darker fairy tale feel, closer to the Grimm Brothers than Disney. Although all aspects of the story work really well together, there are times when I wanted more from some characters. When the book came to a close, it certainly wasn’t with a happily ever after. It’s a very contemplative and melancholy ending, yet perfect for the characters in this tale.

William Morrow & Company has recently released the newest editions of this book both the special gift edition and the Signed Gift Edition. I received a copy of the gift edition which is has a gorgeous blue cloth cover with a gold stamped cover.

publisher: William Morrow & Company (October 30, 2012)