Monday, March 01, 2010

A Book Review

(For those of you who are FB friends or follow me on Twitter this is most likely old news.)

About 15-years ago I bought a book of short stories by a man called Charles de Lint. The book was titled, Dreams Under Foot. I'd never read anything by this author before; I can't remember why I'd picked it up, some dreamy quality it gave me. I'm sure.

Well, from the very first story the book just blew my mind. Mr. de Lint did things with story telling I had never considered. He blended reality and myth, created his own fictional urban fantasy city (Newford) with reoccurring characters, and wove stories that twisted and turned into all sorts of strange and wonderful places. Over the years I've picked up his other books and kept an eye one him. He's kind of been one of my heros.

Flash forward to three weeks ago when I received an e-mail from the magazine Fantasy and Science Fiction informing me that he'd reviewed A Robe of Feathers and Other Stories for their magazine. Which is both a terrifying and exciting thing to happen to a person. It could be very good news, very bad news, or anything in between.

When you get something like that, you open the PDF file, immediately step away from the computer, fix yourself some coffee, stir it well, wash your face, and sit down very slowly before you start reading. Then you have to read it three more times.

Here's the review (--might have to click to enlarge it).



Here's the link to F&SF. I'm the fourth review down.

In this case it was very good news.

And once again, Charles de Lint has blown my mind. It's the most surreal feeling in the world. I still don't think I'm recovered in the head yet.

13 comments:

Gillian said...

I love it that he reads what you wrote and appreciates it so very clearly. Nice review :).

Tigermama said...

How fantastic!!!

Kappa no He said...

Gillian! I missed you. Thank you, surreal. Just surreal.

Tigermama, thank you too. I want to give him a hug.

Victoria Dixon said...

That is so awesome. Congrats and it's well earned!

Jim Melvin said...

This is an excellent review! It even rivals the one I wrote. :)

Congrats! I'll bet you enjoyed that cup of coffee after that.

Hilary said...

Terrie, that's just wonderful. What a fantastic feeling that must be. I'm so happy for you. :)

Kappa no He said...

Victoria, thanks so much.

Jim, I go back and read yours whenever I feel blue. It makes me feel worlds better. You're my own private shrink.

Hilary, thank you. He's such a kind man.

Pat said...

Wow! You're on your way to becoming a classic! Congratulations, Terrie!

Deidra said...

That's fantastic! I'm so happy for you. It's no wonder that you were overcome with happiness and surrealism. I'm sure his opinion means more to you than we can imagine, and this is the reward you get for your toils. Keep up the good work!

Mary Witzl said...

I can't even begin to imagine how good that must make you feel! It's wonderful to get a good review, but to get one from someone whose writing you deeply admire must be fantastic. Congratulations, Thersa!

Kappa no He said...

Pat, classic in age only ^ ~

Deidra, thank you and I love your new profile photo. Looks manga-ish.

Mary, it's so hard not to go all fan girl. I must exercise restraint. <--Something I'm not very good at. ^ ^

laughingwolf said...

grats, and so glad you like fellow canuck, de lint, terrie... he really does write good stuff....

word verif: hamon [kid you not!]

robin said...

Your writing is so beautiful, Terrie- every word that Mr. de Lint says is true!!!