August 6, 2022
One of the most challenging tasks when writing fiction is to take a familiar and oft-told story and create a new story out of it without alienating readers who love the original or scaring off newcomers who might not be in on its secrets. In Orfeia, Joanne M. Harris walks this line brilliantly. She is a true storyteller, understanding the value not just of the narrative but of the words themselves. She gives us the readers a glimpse into the many and varied worlds of the fae (or fey, or Fay), and leaves us with equal parts wonder and fear. This story beautifully shows us the many facets of heartbreak and grief, and effectively conveys a version of what it might be like for a parent to lose a child. It explores what exactly makes a person who they are, and what starts to happen when those pieces are lost. The tale is in turns beautiful, distressing, awe-inspiring, and overwhelmingly sad. Harris expertly captures the evasive, amorphous, ethereal nature of the fair folk, and the truth that very few things are solid and trustworthy when you leave the world you know. With gorgeous writing and a narrative that keeps you from setting it down, this book is a fast, compelling read that will absolutely leave you melancholy, but satisfied.
8.5/10
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