The Onion Girl (Newford, #11) by Charles de LintMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A very powerful book. I haven't read the other books he has written in this area - so it's fascinating to see how Charles De Lint brings the other references in without losing me.
Nearly finished now and the breadth of the book has widened considerably. The fae cosmology fascinates me and discovering the nature of 'The People' and the 'Old Spirits' that dwell in the Dreamlands or walk between them and the World That Is is an enjoyable journey.
There are some very fascinating characters in the book but I think my favourite has to be Jo Crazy Dog and the women's group. Joe is a trickster who walks between the worlds and acts as a guide to the women, and the women seem bound by their own unique perceptions of the Dreamlands.
To me, as a student of Celtic Mythology and the European Fey traditions, it has been fascinating to visit the realms of Canadian and North American Fey lore. There is obviously so much here to learn and I wonder how much of Charles' fiction is based in traditional lore and how much he has made up. This book has started a new quest within me - to understand how the Fey have spread across the world. Different cultures seem to experience them in radically different ways.
As a piece of fiction, it stands apart as a book separate from the other Newford books - I was able to enjoy it without understanding how it fits into the wider picture. The characterization of the main characters was very fulfilling and the supporting cast do their jobs admirably.
In summary, I enjoyed it tremendously and want to read more of his work now. Heartily recommended.
-- Gary
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