Book review: The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly (The Book of Lost Things #1)

Rating: 4.5⭐️

“Stories were different, though: they came alive in the telling. Without a human voice to read them aloud, or a pair of wide eyes following them by flashlight beneath a blanket, they had no real existence in our world. They were like seeds in the beak of a bird, waiting to fall to earth, or the notes of a song laid out on a sheet, yearning for an instrument to bring their music into being. They lay dormant, hoping for the chance to emerge. Once someone started to read them, they could begin to change. They could take root in the imagination, and transform the reader. Stories wanted to be read, David’s mother would whisper. They needed it. It was the reason they forced themselves from their world into ours. They wanted us to give them life.”

Twelve-year-old David grapples with the loss of his mother and the changes in his life as his father remarries and they move into his stepmother’s old family home where he struggles to adjust to a new life as WWII rages on. David’s father works as a codebreaker and David resents having to spend time with his stepmother and the new baby in the family. David's only solace is the time he spends with his books - the love for reading and tales of knights and folk tales he shared with his late mother. In his new room, he finds an interesting collection of old books – old tales unlike those he has ever read before and as he reads on, he senses strange occurrences around him. One day out in the woods surrounding the house, a series of shocking events cause David’s reality to blur. As the narrative progresses, we follow David as he is thrust into the fantastical world of Elsewhere where meets friends and foes in his journey to find the king who possesses the Book of Lost Things which he hopes will have the key to his returning home. Through stories, adventure and life-changing experiences, David learns much about life, family, friendship, and courage – a journey that will leave an indelible impact on his life.

I absolutely loved The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly! I do not read much fantasy but have always loved fairy tales and particularly enjoyed the author’s take (sinister and twisted for the most part) on the tales and some of our favorite characters from the same. David is an endearing protagonist who will strike a chord in your heart. Masterfully crafted and exceptionally well-written with vivid world-building, this creative, immersive dark fantasy novel kept me engrossed until the very end. I loved how the author has woven the theme of love for reading and the importance of books in our lives throughout this novel. I also loved how the author chose to end the novel (incredibly moving, bittersweet and thoroughly satisfying!). I must mention the enthralling and extensive Author’s Note, where he discusses the tales and fictional characters who inspired the characters in David’s story and a version of each of the tales as well. While I wouldn’t recommend this one for children, I believe adults who enjoy folklore/fairy tales with darker themes would surely enjoy the read!

I paired my reading with the audio narration by Steven Crossley, which truly enhanced my overall experience.