Reviews

It does not happen often that I prefer the movie over the book, but in this case I did. But there is a reason for it. “Pan’s Labyrinth” was a movie before it became a novel. Director Guillermo del Toro asked author Cornelia Funke to translate his masterful film to a book. Not for all ages in my opinion, like the synopsis says, but middle-grade or young adult would be more appropriate.

We meet Ofelia, a young girl who loves fairytale stories. Together with her mother Carmen she moves into a house in the woods, with her mother’s new husband Vidal, who Ofelia calls “the Wolf”. Carmen is expecting a baby with Vidal, but Ofelia believes Vidal doesn’t really love her mother and only wants a son to carry on his bloodline. Because Ofelia never feels welcome in her new home, she starts exploring her new ‘neighborhood’. Where she meets Pan, a Faun and the keeper of a secret labyrinth. He believes Ofelia is the long-lost princes Moanna and he gives her task, so she can return to her family. And so a journey begins.

The story is beautifully written and it’s accompanied by amazing illustrations. Because I have already seen the movie, it was easy for me to imagine all the creatures, the surroundings and characters of the book. But I felt like the book was missing something that the movie did have and I cant quite put my finger on it. Even though I still believe this book is fantastic and a wonderfully written tale, I believe the film conveys the right atmosphere to the audience better than the book did.

I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy lovers, this is the type of fantasy that even I love.

slowbollard's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

I picked this up thinking the book came before the movie and that the book would provide depth that the movie didn't have time to reveal. I didn't realize that this was a novelization. There are a few illustrations, which are fine, but not particularly new or mind blowing. I could have just watched the movie again.

juller's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This dark tale is beautifully told. Rather graphic for middle grades. Gorgeous cover.

angevba's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I loved it. Easy to read, very beautiful story, really well-shaped characters, overall a great middle-grade fantasy with a creepy athmosphere that gives it that perfect touch for me.

chaosmage's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I've watched Pan's Labyrinth multiple times. It is one of my favorite movies. When I saw there was a book I was so excited. I hate to be *that* person that says "Oh, the book is WAY better than the movie!" Okay, but this is. This was so beautifully written and incredibly descriptive. Of course it was written after the movie, but it has so much more than the film. It has tales and stories about each character, history about their world that you don't see when you watch it. It was so interesting and made me fall in love with the story even more. I want to watch it (again) now that I've read the book. I feel I know the characters’ background and the fairy tale more. It was really an excellent book and I would read this over and over again.

ceceewing_'s review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This was a nice adaptation of the film, but I think it lacked any sign of Funke's writing and style. She was clearly fit to the challenge of making this story work in written form, and I think the insight into the characters and the deeper exploration of the world was nice, but it just didn't stand out. Maybe if I was a bigger fan of the movie this would have made more of an impact, but I think I was chasing more of Cornelia Funke's traditional style when I picked this up and it just wasn't there.

uselesspirateraven's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.25

Content Warnings

kokorreadsss's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

More...