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A review by krennthief
Doll Bones by Holly Black
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Absolutely LOVED this. Just incredible character work and compelling drama. I know people hate the "bad communication kills" trope, but actually justifying poor communication with real, relatable emotions and internal conflict through an incredibly empathetic character is much more believable than naysayers would lead you to think.
To me, this book is much more than it appears on the surface. Sure, it's framed as a one final hurrah of childhood in the form of a bizarre, arcane semi-road trip adventure, but the way it presents themes of the repression of one's genuine self in the face of patriarchal and/or homogenous societal expectations hits home, and hits hard. And yes, at times it feels a little silly that these kids have seemingly never heard of TTRPGs, but here's another thing about that--the game they're playing is much rawer, much more potent and almost ancient in practice than something as mapped out and well-tread as, say, Dungeons and Dragons.
This is pure imagination, unfiltered, unbridled. The kind of play that is frowned upon and discouraged as you reach a certain developmental stage. And yet, there is so much loss in abandoning it. The narrative hints at the continuing adventures of William and Lady J, as directed and guided by Poppy, even if the toys themselves may no longer be an element. To me, that both highlights and celebrates the very real communities of people who, even into their adulthood, create original characters and collaboratively tell stories with them.
This wild, gothic adventure may don a bleak tone and aesthetic, but in my opinion, it tells an overwhelmingly joyous and beautiful story about the connective power of communal storytelling. How we create bonds that may last for only a while, but whose effects endure for the rest of our lives. It certainly helps that Holly Black is an incredibly evocative writer.
Also, thanks for the Filipino/Filipina rep, Holly Black! Not too in-depth, but I appreciate that Alice is from a Filipino family and deals with some of the pressures that implies as far as I've seen with regard to my dad and grandma. As for the trio in general, I'm selfishly clocking them at various points on the spectrum because I love them all for being so hyperfixated on their characters' specialties, their characters, and the game. Autism saves the day in this story, from Zach's heretofore unnecessary but earnest research of sailing to Alice's cunning wit informing much of their rogue antics, each coming into practical use on their adventure. Poppy may be annoying to some, and to me I felt that way at times, but ultimately I understood her intense distraught at the potential for the only stable thing in her life to change or go away forever.
An incredible pathos is captured throughout each of these characters.Even Eleanor the Cursed Queen, an ultimately unspeaking presence in the form of a haunted doll, was sympathetic; she herself is truly a part of the kids' game, not an imagined character, but an active participant and player. I'd imagine her spirit seeing the turmoil of Zach losing his toys and disbanding the game potentially inspiring her to move on from the game herself, influencing each of the kids the share in one final game by lifting her curse once and for all. She was never malicious or evil--I interpret that she just wanted to express how she always enjoyed being included and wanted to say goodbye, and perhaps nudge the kids toward discovering a way continue the game, even if growing up might complicate it.
Absolutely one of my new favorites now. If you haven't read this already, it's a quick and phenomenal read.
To me, this book is much more than it appears on the surface. Sure, it's framed as a one final hurrah of childhood in the form of a bizarre, arcane semi-road trip adventure, but the way it presents themes of the repression of one's genuine self in the face of patriarchal and/or homogenous societal expectations hits home, and hits hard. And yes, at times it feels a little silly that these kids have seemingly never heard of TTRPGs, but here's another thing about that--the game they're playing is much rawer, much more potent and almost ancient in practice than something as mapped out and well-tread as, say, Dungeons and Dragons.
This is pure imagination, unfiltered, unbridled. The kind of play that is frowned upon and discouraged as you reach a certain developmental stage. And yet, there is so much loss in abandoning it. The narrative hints at the continuing adventures of William and Lady J, as directed and guided by Poppy, even if the toys themselves may no longer be an element. To me, that both highlights and celebrates the very real communities of people who, even into their adulthood, create original characters and collaboratively tell stories with them.
This wild, gothic adventure may don a bleak tone and aesthetic, but in my opinion, it tells an overwhelmingly joyous and beautiful story about the connective power of communal storytelling. How we create bonds that may last for only a while, but whose effects endure for the rest of our lives. It certainly helps that Holly Black is an incredibly evocative writer.
Also, thanks for the Filipino/Filipina rep, Holly Black! Not too in-depth, but I appreciate that Alice is from a Filipino family and deals with some of the pressures that implies as far as I've seen with regard to my dad and grandma. As for the trio in general, I'm selfishly clocking them at various points on the spectrum because I love them all for being so hyperfixated on their characters' specialties, their characters, and the game. Autism saves the day in this story, from Zach's heretofore unnecessary but earnest research of sailing to Alice's cunning wit informing much of their rogue antics, each coming into practical use on their adventure. Poppy may be annoying to some, and to me I felt that way at times, but ultimately I understood her intense distraught at the potential for the only stable thing in her life to change or go away forever.
An incredible pathos is captured throughout each of these characters.
Absolutely one of my new favorites now. If you haven't read this already, it's a quick and phenomenal read.