Issue 157

Book Review: The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories

08th October 2007

From the writer of Jonathon Strange and Mr. Norrell comes a collection of stories about Faerie. Although many of Clarke's previous readers will undoubtedly be eager to read deeper about the fates and foibles of characters such as Strange, Norrell and the Raven King, there's plenty here for the first time reader. The book is presented as a collection of literary curios compiled by Professor James Sutherland, illustrating minor individuals and major movements in the world of Faerie which is presented as if a real culture, running parallel to, and interacting significantly with, British history.

The collection is of obvious interest to those with a love of the fantasy genre, but also draws intelligently from areas such as traditional folk literature,history and literary form. 'Antickes and Frets' retells the story of Mary Queen of Scots from a new angle, weaving the idea of magic into the story as a new, fictional possibility for the drive behind the treasonous Queen's actions. 'On Lickerish Hill' is a variation on the Rumplestiltskin fable told as if from a 17th Century first person perspective.

The opening, eponymous story of three magic-minded friends who construct their freedom to live as intellectual equals with a love transcending romantic, hegemonic relationships, doesn't reflect the accessible, enjoyable reading experience of the other stories. Also, 'Tom Brightwind' with its casebook introduction and academic footnotes is a little long-winded and dry, and its pay-off is satisfactory, but disappointingly predictable for a writer who enjoys playing with perceptions.

The rich texture of written styles and contexts and the description of both Faerie magic and magic within a relatively normal setting makes for a constantly engaging read, and the exploration of male and female power in magic has parallels with ideas of feminism in the real world.

A deliciously sophisticated look at a traditionally young-at-heart subject.

Holly Thomas