Neil Gaiman’s Stardust is a perfect fairy tale (or is that faerie?), laden and ripe with all types of magical beings, mythical creatures, hapless mortals, one lovable half-man, half-royal fairy guy, and the stars and the moon.  Sprinkle the fairy dust all over me, then bury me under Stardust, and I am happy.  This book had me in its lyrical grasp from start to finish, pure fun and dreams, and I finished it satisfied, sated,and smiling.

I loved the alignment of improbable events that had to occur for any curse to be lifted or evil vanquished (“the squirrel has not yet found the acorn that will grown into the oak that will be cut to form the cradle of the babe who will grow to slay me“).  In contrast, a heart’s desire could be granted with a nod. On the other hand (again), tearing the heart from a star was a bitch for the evil witches, and in contrast (again) good sex was easy to accomplish (not a book for the kiddies).  Perhaps the lesson is that doing the good stuff (love, sex) is easier than anything associated with the bad stuff (curses, killing witches, ripping a beating heart from a living star).  This is Faerie Land, folks.  Enjoy.