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The Little Country

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you love lyrical, atmospheric fantasy and a deep sense of place, "The Little Country" is a must-read. Charles de Lint’s depiction of the Cornish coast is vivid and immersive, with a storyline that weaves together music, magic, folklore, and a dash of mystery. The dual narrative - switching between real and fantasy worlds - offers something for fans of both traditional and contemporary fantasy. Music lovers in particular will appreciate the way traditional tunes and musician life play a central role, even down to sheet music included in the book. This will especially appeal to those who enjoy thoughtful stories about the magic hidden in everyday life and complicated, believable characters.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers found the book sprawling, with too many plot threads and a length that could have used tightening. A few didn’t warm up to the villains or felt the fantasy world wasn’t as full or compelling as expected. If you prefer quickly-paced plots or are not into stories-within-stories or books grounded in folk music culture, you might find it slow or hard to get into. There are also moments some may find a bit graphic or mature for younger audiences.

A richly atmospheric, music-steeped fantasy that’s perfect for fans of folklore and gentle magical adventure - but its leisurely pace and sprawling plot might not appeal to everyone.

About:

"The Little Country" by Charles de Lint is a fantasy novel set on the Cornish coast, blending elements of modern reality with magical realms. The story revolves around a mysterious book that tells a different story to each reader, intertwining the lives of various characters. Themes of music, standing stones, and alternate worlds are explored, creating a complex narrative that captivates readers with its blend of fantasy and reality.

De Lint weaves a tale of intrigue and mystery, incorporating elements of urban fantasy and folklore into the narrative. The characters are well-drawn, and the plot, although at times muddied by multiple story concepts, offers a unique perspective on the power of storytelling and the interconnectedness of different worlds. Through a combination of music, magic, and ancient legends, the book takes readers on a journey through time and space, challenging perceptions of reality and imagination.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, memorable, and play crucial roles in the intertwining plots.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is descriptive and poetic, effectively immersing readers in the story and its characters.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a quest for a powerful book amid family secrets, magical elements, and a love story.

Setting:

The story unfolds in a vividly depicted small coastal town in Cornwall, enriched with folklore and music.

Pacing:

The pacing balances suspense and emotional depth, though some find it uneven at times.
Her favorite author was William Dunthorn,and not just because he and her grandfather had been mates, thoughshe did treasure the old sepia-toned photograph of the pair of themthat she kept sealed in a ...

Notes:

The story involves a book that grants ultimate power, hidden by a Cornish family for decades.
Janie Little, a folk singer, discovers a mysterious novel called The Little Country.
The plot includes elements like a secret society, psychopathic killers, and alternate worlds.
The book is set in a small coastal town in Cornwall during the late 1980s to early 1990s.
Music plays a central role, with chapter titles referencing musical pieces.
The narrative weaves together two stories: one in the real world and one in a fantasy realm.
There are themes of magic, mystery, romance, and adventure throughout the novel.
Some readers found the book's length (nearly 600 pages) to be excessive and could have been edited.
While some described the story as gripping, others noted it lacked cohesion and had muddled plotlines.
The prose is praised for its beauty and ability to evoke strong imagery of scenes and locale, especially weather.
De Lint's characters are memorable and believable, supported by charming linguistic elements.
Readers found the book's exploration of complicated relationships and the importance of tradition and culture to be thought-provoking.
The author deftly handles serious themes without seeming preachy or intrusive.
Some readers discovered the book decades later and felt nostalgic about it, citing its lasting impact.
The novel is noted for blending various mythological elements, including Celtic and Norse mythologies.
Readers appreciate the hopeful and rewarding feeling the book imparts after reading.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains graphic scenes and complex themes that may not be suitable for all audiences.

Has Romance?

There is a moderate level of romance woven into the story, focusing on relationships between characters.

From The Publisher:

Come walk the mist-draped hills of Cornwall, come walk the ancient standing stones. Listen to the fiddles, and the wind, and the sea. Come step with Janey Little into the pages of...The Little Country.

When folk musician Janey Little finds a mysterious manuscript in an old trunk in her grandfather's cottage, she is swept into a dangerous realm both strange and familiar. But true magic lurks within the pages of The Little Country, drawing genuine danger from across the oceans into Janey's life, impelling her-armed only with her music-toward a terrifying confrontation.

1991
628 pages

Ratings (2)

Loved It (1)
Liked It (1)

Reader Stats (8):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (5)
Not Interested (1)

About the Author:

Charles de Lint pioneered the urban fantasy genre with critically acclaimed novels and stories set in and around the imaginary modern North American city of Newford: The Onion Girl, Moonheart, The Ivory and the Horn, and the collection Moonlight and Vines, for which he won the World Fantasy Award. Among de Lint's many other novels are Mulengro, Into the Green, and The Little Country.

 
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