A review by emmacatereads
Cart and Cwidder, by Diana Wynne Jones
3.0
A nice but not all-together unique entry in the DWJ canon. I've been slowly working my way through her less well-known books and was inspired by the fact that this is the first in a series. One of my favorite aspect of Jones' writing, as I've said repeatedly, is her ability to candidly asses what are often very real and heavy subjects through the lens of childhood. Moril doesn't stand out particularly amid her host of vague and dreamy young protagonists, but once again the way he deals with topics such as death and endangerment of his family members feels very real and very heartfelt.
Another thing I tend to enjoy about DWJ books, echoed in this novel, is the way that her magic systems are borne more of feelings rather than science. The descriptions of Moril's powers with the Cwidder are at once precise and evocative, as Jones utilities her characteristic, matter-of-fact tone to describe the extraordinary.
However, I wasn't especially moved by any of the characters. This novel's failing, in my opinion, is that it fails to stand out from the rest of her canon; while it is rife with many of the tones and tropes that make me enjoy her other works, it doesn't play off of them enough to distinguish itself.
Another thing I tend to enjoy about DWJ books, echoed in this novel, is the way that her magic systems are borne more of feelings rather than science. The descriptions of Moril's powers with the Cwidder are at once precise and evocative, as Jones utilities her characteristic, matter-of-fact tone to describe the extraordinary.
However, I wasn't especially moved by any of the characters. This novel's failing, in my opinion, is that it fails to stand out from the rest of her canon; while it is rife with many of the tones and tropes that make me enjoy her other works, it doesn't play off of them enough to distinguish itself.