A review by nearlywriting
The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This story is an allegory about a boy named David losing his childhood innocence and being forced to grow up all too soon, told through fairy tales.
It is definitely an adult fantasy with some mature themes and frequent violence. The darkness in it reminded me a little of Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere. None of the darkness or violence seemed senseless though . . . it all served the story's purpose and was symbolic, portraying David's headlong fall into adulthood. It offered me a new and interesting take on life and faith in a dying world--hope and light in conflict with darkness and despair. I may not be great at explaining what this book meant to me, but it was 100% worth the read.
It is definitely an adult fantasy with some mature themes and frequent violence. The darkness in it reminded me a little of Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere. None of the darkness or violence seemed senseless though . . . it all served the story's purpose and was symbolic, portraying David's headlong fall into adulthood. It offered me a new and interesting take on life and faith in a dying world--hope and light in conflict with darkness and despair. I may not be great at explaining what this book meant to me, but it was 100% worth the read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Violence, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, and Grief
Minor: Blood, Child abuse, Death, and Death of parent