Stardust

I love a good fairy tale. One of my favorites is Stardust, which I've read and seen several times. My favorite version is the illustrated novel, which includes 175 paintings done by Charles Vess. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous are really add to the fairy tale quality of the book. It's like being a little kid and reading a picture book again, except for the occasionally adult content.

Stardust follows young Tristran Thorn as he goes searching for his heart's desire. Unlike Dorothy, he discovers that it's a lot farther away than his own back yard. Tristran goes off in search of a fallen star, in the hopes that he can present it to young Victoria and secure her hand in marriage.

Tristran isn't the only one searching for the star though. A witch is seeking her heart which will grant her additional youth. A trio of brothers are racing to find her; the first one who does will secure the Lordship of Stormwal. And poor Ditchwater Sal would be looking for the star if the witch hadn't cursed her to be ignorant of it. The star herself is largely ignorant of the world, amplifying her danger from the various parties who seek her.

The adventure is a lot of fun, though this is also a love story and a coming-of-age story for Tristran, who grows to learn that he doesn't really love Victoria after all. And that probably shouldn't trade one woman's life for the hand of another.

If you ever find yourself craving a fairy tale, you should definitely pick up a copy of Stardust. I defintiely recommend this version, with Charles Vess' illustrations, but there's a cheaper, paperback version as well. And the movie is also wonderful, with a great appearance by Robert DeNiro.

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