Phantastes

Our rating: ***

This is the story of a gentleman named Anodos and his visit to fairyland. But believe me, this is no run-of-the-mill fairyland. During his travels, Anodos meets fairies, imp-ish, grand or otherwise, dangerous trees, his own shadow, knights, and eventually falls in love with a mysterious lady. Unfortunately, he dies in the end of the book, so it’s a little disappointing.

I’m not sure how to describe this book. It’s written in the older style so you really have to think about what you’re reading. That can be fun, or tiring, depending on your mood. For an example, this is the first sentence: “I awoke one morning with the usual perplexity of mind that accompanies the return of consciousness.” This book ranges all over, from statues coming to life, to evil trees (shivers), to impish young fairies, to love. It can make your head spin! But I do enjoy it.

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