Stardust, by Neil Gaiman

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I think the first of Neil Gaiman’s novels I ever read was “Stardust” which I absolutely loved (whereas newer novels are more hit-and-miss for me, sadly). I was surprised to like it so much because it strongly felt like a fairy tale and I’m not exactly a fan of those.

At its core, “Stardust” is a classic adventure tale, full of magic and wonder. The story follows the protagonist, Tristran Thorn, as he embarks on a journey to find a fallen star in order to win the heart of his beloved. Along the way, he encounters a host of fantastical characters, from witches and pirates to talking animals and ghosts. Each encounter brings new challenges and surprises, and I found myself fully immersed in Tristran’s world, eagerly anticipating what lay around each new corner.

What truly sets “Stardust” apart from other adventure stories, though, is Gaiman’s masterful storytelling. His writing is both enchanting and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the world he has created. His characters are richly drawn, each with their own unique quirks and motivations. I particularly loved the character of Yvaine, the fallen star that Tristran seeks. Her transformation throughout the course of the story is both poignant and inspiring, and her interactions with Tristran are both touching and humorous.

Another thing I loved about “Stardust” was its clever use of fairy tale tropes. Gaiman takes familiar elements of traditional fairy tales, such as the quest for a magical object or the presence of a wicked witch, and puts his own spin on them, subverting expectations and keeping the story fresh and surprising. This makes for a truly delightful reading experience, as each new twist and turn feels both unexpected and satisfying.

Overall, I would highly recommend “Stardust” to anyone who loves a funny, emotional and slightly subversive adventure story.

Five stars out of five!


P. S.: The film is amusing but (as usual) by far inferior to the novel!


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