I don’t honestly remember where I first heard about this book. It’s one of those titles that danced around in my brain for almost a year. I think I read about it in Neil Gaiman’s blog, and then came across it on a random search through Amazon.com, and then somehow I think I saw it mentioned in Publishers Weekly.
Ludd-In-The-Mist. One of the most unique gems of fantasy that far too few people know about or have had the pleasure of reading. I don’t use the word “gem” lightly. This story sparkles from all facets. Written by Hope Mirrlees, it was originally published in 1926, and apparently was quite popular in its day. Now it has been released in a new paperback edition, with a Foreword by Gaiman, and a charming new cover. It’s a story where the phrase “you son of a fairy!” can cause a furious rift between lifelong friends. Where eating the wrong piece of fruit can twist the way you see the world and never allow you to be satisfied with the way things are, because something beautiful always seems to be just over the next hill.
Fairy-fruit. Meddling fair-folk and their devilish human agents. All manners of subplots that leave your mind whirling, and those fun little clues and sinister implications that speak so loudly to the attentive reader, and left me wishing to know more about the
It isn’t a heavy-handed book. The prose is light and enchanting. The imagery is gorgeous throughout. It’s not a thick read, either, and you could likely finish it in a few days at most…if you make a conscious effort to go slow. Find it cheap on Amazon.com, or perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to mosey upon it in a used book store someday. Then some part of your brain will remind you about seeing this book mentioned on a blog somewhere, and you’ll pick it up and be as delighted as I was.
As a side note, Jen and I are flying out to Colorado tonight to check out a couple venues for our wedding. May 6th, folks. Mark it on your calendars. I know I am. I think they need me to show up for something. Anyways, I’ll likely get to update over the weekend, but if I don’t, you now know why.
I see that smile.