I checked this book out from the library in audiobook for something to do some cleaning to and then pick up for the week. When it downloaded it said it was only one hour long! Oh. I didn’t realize it was a kid’s book.
This is not a kid’s book.
It’s at least PG. Maybe PG-13.
The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami is definitely a different kind of fantasy. I will have to pick up more by him to create a firm opinion. I kind of wish I had read-read it, apparently it’s illustrated – I might have to check out the physical copy just to get a chance to see those….
This was a short read, and engrossing. It was in some ways a childish tone, but like the original Snow White, Cinderella, the Robber’s Bride…. there is a darkness lurking there that should not be discounted. If you like traditional fairy tales – you should read this. It is NOT a fairy tale, but it has that sort of “light and fluffy with a dark pointed center” sort of turn of phrase. Like Dahl’s The Witches.
The main character is just a curious kid who finds himself wrapped in mystery and magic – and takes it pretty well in stride really. He cries (as you should when horrible things happen) but also never gives up completely. I found myself rooting for him to overcome every obstacle -his internal and external ones – with a passion I don’t usually feel for a character so quickly.
Without giving away spoilers, let’s say I’ll never look at a library quite the same. The best stories make you do that you know.
Dream by Day 