The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
emkplatts's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was fun! I liked it more than the movie because the movie is so depressing, but somehow listening to it was less depressing lol. I like how the magic and reality were woven together and the magic plot is so fun!
twilliamson's review against another edition
3.0
El laberinto del fauno is one of the finest films ever made, and certainly my favorite film from director Guillermo del Toro. In this novelization of the film, del Toro teams with renowned fantasy writer Cornelia Funke to deliver the story.
There is very little deviation from del Toro's script, though Funke imbibes the story with a sense of simple beauty. Her prose feels authentic to folktales and faery stories, such that the novel feels every bit as magical as the film. Moreover, what Funke does best is take much of the film's subtext and make it into text, thus contextualizing many of the most important themes of the film.
That said, Funke's prose and the novel's plot don't lend themselves particularly well to its medium, and since so little is changed from the film, I really question the necessity of a book like this. While I undoubtedly cherish del Toro's film and adore the love Funke gives to this adaptation, I just don't see the adaptation as being necessary. Perhaps it was always part of del Toro's vision to novelize his film, but I think the film's art stands enough on its own, such that the adaptation adds very little to its existing merit.
Those who have never seen the film or find the film's themes too obscure for their liking might find this novelization to be of use in helping break down del Toro's art; the likely audience for this novelization, though, already know the story and are already intimately familiar with the film, rendering this lovingly-told story fairly redundant.
There is very little deviation from del Toro's script, though Funke imbibes the story with a sense of simple beauty. Her prose feels authentic to folktales and faery stories, such that the novel feels every bit as magical as the film. Moreover, what Funke does best is take much of the film's subtext and make it into text, thus contextualizing many of the most important themes of the film.
That said, Funke's prose and the novel's plot don't lend themselves particularly well to its medium, and since so little is changed from the film, I really question the necessity of a book like this. While I undoubtedly cherish del Toro's film and adore the love Funke gives to this adaptation, I just don't see the adaptation as being necessary. Perhaps it was always part of del Toro's vision to novelize his film, but I think the film's art stands enough on its own, such that the adaptation adds very little to its existing merit.
Those who have never seen the film or find the film's themes too obscure for their liking might find this novelization to be of use in helping break down del Toro's art; the likely audience for this novelization, though, already know the story and are already intimately familiar with the film, rendering this lovingly-told story fairly redundant.
503supremacy's review against another edition
5.0
Estoy fascinada con el trabajo de Cornelia Funke en este libro. Definitivamente me parece un ejemplo excelente de como se debe de hacer una adaptación de una película a un libro de forma correcta y satisfactoria, siento que la escritora logro comprender la escencia de la historia y los personajes de manera perfecta y logro plasmarlos en las páginas de esta belleza de una forma admirablemente exquisita y bella. Además, adoro con locura las 10 historias secundarias que se añadieron y cómo estas van encajando con la historia principal y construyendo un todo conforme vamos avanzando y leyendo todas, creo que es una manera muy creativa de complementar la historia y hacerla todavía mejor de lo que ya era antes.
livinsa_havering's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
beth_between_pages's review against another edition
5.0
Magical and heartbreaking. This story is so deeply personal to me. This is my favorite movie and I loved seeing it come to life on the page.
benrogerswpg's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed the book. Very similar to the movie, in fact, it almost read like a screenplay.
little_miss_3657's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
emmedevorak's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
kaleighhh's review against another edition
5.0
This was everything I wanted and more! So enchanting and whimsical! I am such a huge fan of the movie and was scared I wouldn’t like the book as much, but I honestly like it better! I think it is so beautifully done, and the entire thing feels like a fairy tale. The author added just enough of all the characters feelings to make me invest my emotions in all of them (even the bad characters). Just so so good.
sil3nos's review against another edition
No rating, because I listened to it while driving and didn't pay close attention.