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In the author’s note at the beginning of this volume of short stories, Charles de Lint says that he’s taking a break from Newford for a while but that he still has enough short stories lying around to publish one more collection. I read that and my heart stopped for a second. I love Newford and all the characters in it! They have become my fictional friends over the years! The logical part of my brain can understand though. He’s written 20+ novels and short story collections set in Newford, and if I were de Lint, I would probably have gotten tired of it and moved on long ago. My attention span just isn’t that long.
Maybe for that reason, this collection felt a bit like goodbye. There were so many stories that paid visits to old friends from other stories and novels. It almost felt like I was being allowed one last peek into their world to show me that they’re doing just fine and that they’ll continue to be just fine in that world where unwritten stories live. They’ll live on as long as loyal fans like me continue re-reading and new fans fall in love with the characters in their turn. I might not be happy about a break from Newford, but I’m happy with where everyone is.
3 Comments
I have been meaning to read more de Lint for awhile now. I've only ever read one (The Blue Girl) but I liked it and people are so devoted to him, which is a good sign.
I have only read one of De Lint's books, The Onion Girl, but I really fell in love. I am definitely going to go back and read the entire series, since that one book really sold it for me.
Because I am such an emotional being, I am going to check out this book.
Great review!