Review – In the Night Garden (The Orphan’s Tales, Book 1) by Catherynne M. Valente (5/5 stars)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 496 pages
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Release Date: October 31, 2006
ASIN: B000MAH7Y0
Stand Alone or Series: 1st book in the Orphan’s Tales series
Source: Gift for Kindle
Rating: 5/5 stars
“Secreted away in a garden, a lonely girl spins stories to warm a curious prince: peculiar feats and unspeakable fates that loop through each other and back again to meet in the tapestry of her voice. Inked on her eyelids, each twisting, tattooed tale is a piece in the puzzle of the girl’s own hidden history. And what tales she tells! Tales of shape-shifting witches and wild horsewomen, heron kings and beast princesses, snake gods, dog monks, and living stars–each story more strange and fantastic than the one that came before. From ill-tempered “mermaid” to fastidious Beast, nothing is ever quite what it seems in these ever-shifting tales–even, and especially, their teller. Adorned with illustrations by the legendary Michael Kaluta, Valente’s enchanting lyrical fantasy offers a breathtaking reinvention of the untold myths and dark fairy tales that shape our dreams. And just when you think you’ve come to the end, you realize the adventure has only begun….”
This is the first book in The Orphan’s Tale duology and was amazing! I loved the storytelling and how the stories were nested inside each other. This was beautifully written, full of amazing imagery and I really loved it. This was hands down my favorite Valente book yet!
The story starts with a young prince who ventures out to talk to the strange girl with the black mask on her skin who lives in the palace gardens. When he finally meets her she offers to tell him the stories that are twined in the black mask on her face and about her history. The book is broken into two main stories and within each story many other stories are nested. The whole thing is beautifully written and crafted and I really enjoyed reading it. It’s so creative and magical.
This book takes some time to read. Sometimes you end up nested in stories four or five layers deep and as you emerge from the layers it takes a bit of thought and effort to remember where/who you started with. However, the way everything comes together is so amazingly well done I loved it. You can tell a lot of thought and care when into crafting this tale and the way it is woven together is just spectacular. Valente is truly one of the most talented authors at weaving magical, creative stories.
Overall this is my favorite Valente book yet! I can’t wait to read the second book. I would recommend to those who enjoy magical storytelling and amazing adventures. This does take some time and effort to read (it’s not an easy read) but it is completely worth it. I am looking forward to immersing myself in the second book “In the Cities of Coin and Spice”.
