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A review by nevafromtheswamp
Cart and Cwidder by Diana Wynne Jones
5.0
[Listened to on audible. Notes on audiobook related stuff in the end of this review.]
I finally decided to take the leap and try another series by my favourite author, Diana Wynne Jones. It was interesting to take another look into her worlds and see the differences in this one and in that of Chrestomanci. I went into this series not really checking in on what genres and age groups it was aimed at for, and I admit I was surprised at first. Out of the Chrestomanci series, I'd say Witch Week is tonally closest to this one, but Cart and Cwidder was darker. A lot darker. Needless to say, it didn't take me long to guess that this was a series aimed at older readers than Chrestomanci was.
I did like the darkeness - the very serious feeling of danger that this story brough with it, making it clear that the important characters weren't safe. The political tension and the absense of guidance for a young person in possession of a lot of power were interesting, and the way they were handled on the text great. I admire Diana Wynne Jones for her talent to make young characters /young/; to have them have motives, ideas, fears and reasonings that make sense for someone of their age. It's refreshing, after all so many books make their young protaconists act a lot older than they said to be.
A strong start for a series, I am excitedly waiting for the next books to arrive at my doorstep so I can continue forwards with this story.
Audio related notes: I had hard time listening to the singing parts - not sure if it was because I listen to audio faster than it's recorded (anything between 1.10 to 2.00 times as fast; depends on the story, reader and my level of tiredness) or was it just not the narrators' strong suit. I also really, really disliked the way he read young girls' voice - it felt stereotypical, the whine in it, and I feel like this character in all her flaws could have been brought to better justice with more tones in her voice.
I finally decided to take the leap and try another series by my favourite author, Diana Wynne Jones. It was interesting to take another look into her worlds and see the differences in this one and in that of Chrestomanci. I went into this series not really checking in on what genres and age groups it was aimed at for, and I admit I was surprised at first. Out of the Chrestomanci series, I'd say Witch Week is tonally closest to this one, but Cart and Cwidder was darker. A lot darker. Needless to say, it didn't take me long to guess that this was a series aimed at older readers than Chrestomanci was.
I did like the darkeness - the very serious feeling of danger that this story brough with it, making it clear that the important characters weren't safe. The political tension and the absense of guidance for a young person in possession of a lot of power were interesting, and the way they were handled on the text great. I admire Diana Wynne Jones for her talent to make young characters /young/; to have them have motives, ideas, fears and reasonings that make sense for someone of their age. It's refreshing, after all so many books make their young protaconists act a lot older than they said to be.
A strong start for a series, I am excitedly waiting for the next books to arrive at my doorstep so I can continue forwards with this story.
Audio related notes: I had hard time listening to the singing parts - not sure if it was because I listen to audio faster than it's recorded (anything between 1.10 to 2.00 times as fast; depends on the story, reader and my level of tiredness) or was it just not the narrators' strong suit. I also really, really disliked the way he read young girls' voice - it felt stereotypical, the whine in it, and I feel like this character in all her flaws could have been brought to better justice with more tones in her voice.