One thing to note: while the narrator of Gallant is fabulous, the physical book is the superior option due to the illustrations and details throughout that lend themselves to the story in a way that does not fully translate to audio. It leaves things up for interpretation, for the reader to fill in the gaps in their mind – but in a purposeful way that leaves a reader thinking about it long after the cover is shut. It is also more of a cerebral story that goes deeper than just surface level, much like Addie LaRue. Gallant trends more towards her style in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue but with a darker twist. VE Schwab is masterful at not overdoing details while still giving readers a full picture of the atmosphere and emotions behind her story. Gallant is engaging from start to finish with quick pacing that does not get bogged down despite its more flowery language. But she finds more than she bargained for when she steps into another world, one hungry to get out and devour more than just her. Olivia resists and begins exploring Gallant and its grounds trying to uncover the shadowy secrets that haunt its halls and her family. When she arrives she’s greeted by a long-defunct mansion and her unwelcoming cousin, Matthew, who’s determined to see her back on her way to somewhere else, anywhere else.
But Olivia sees no choice and she’s immensely curious about the family she’s never had. But according to her mother’s journal, Gallant is the one place Olivia must never go if she wishes to remain safe. Her life changes when a letter arrives from an uncle welcoming her home – home to Gallant. Surrounded by decaying specters most of her life, Olivia is long past feeling afraid. What she does have is her mother’s journal, full of secrets more than comforting words. She does not fit in and she does not have a voice to make a sound, making her an easy target for the other girls. Raised by matrons at Merilance School for girls, she’s always been an outcast. This book weaves a gothic tale reminiscent of the classics you find being taught in classrooms across America. While a seemingly short read, coming in at a little under 300 pages, it does not lack complexity or depth. VE Schwab’s lyrical prose shines through in her newest release, Gallant.
0 kommentar(er)
