My Whole Expanse I Cannot See…

I formulate infinity stored deep inside of me…

Oct 15

The Labyrinth

Category: Opinions

Today I finished reading The Labyrinth by Catherynne M. Valente. I’ve had the book for quite some time, but focus hasn’t been my friend of late. However, once I actually started reading, I couldn’t stop. I went cover-to-cover in two days.

The Labyrinth is very difficult to describe in a little review. It’s a dark and twisted fairy-tale. It’s a bizarre love story of sorts. It’s strange and beautiful. Ultimately, it’s a surreal journey into madness and a fascinating look into the futility of human existence. Valente’s prose are absolutely gorgeous, she perfectly captures the essence of insanity as her heroine walks endlessly through The Labyrinth, not knowing if escape is possible and desperately afraid to hope for such.

It’s a brilliant novel, one of the best I’ve read in awhile.

7 comments

7 Comments so far

  1. Rachel October 15th, 2008 6:49 pm

    The Labryinth as in Jareth the Goblin King and the stolen baby brother?! Omg I love that movie and had no idea it was a book…

  2. michael October 15th, 2008 7:18 pm

    No, this is entirely stranger and better.

  3. Rachel October 15th, 2008 7:25 pm

    Ohh, awesome. I’ll have to check it out. I love a good fantasy.

  4. Ormolu October 16th, 2008 11:58 am

    … >.>

    Speaking up just to say I’m speechless.

  5. michael October 16th, 2008 12:03 pm

    I feel it’s a must read.

  6. Ormolu October 16th, 2008 3:41 pm

    I don’t read nearly as much as I should, anymore.

    So tell me – what would be your top three books?

  7. michael October 16th, 2008 4:08 pm

    I will do a list of recommended reading. I couldn’t possibly do a top three.