A Far Better Thing: A Spellbinding Twist on a Classic
As a devoted reader who often finds solace in the pages of fantasy, I was instantly drawn to "A Far Better Thing" by the talented author, Malinda Lo. The concept of reimagining Charles Dickens’ "A Tale of Two Cities" through a fantastical lens intrigued me; how could the gritty realities of the French Revolution intertwine with the mystical machinations of the Faery Realm? Thanks to Macmillan and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! Spoiler: it left me with more than just butterflies fluttering in my heart—I’m giving it 4.5 stars, rounded up!
From the outset, Lo invites us into a world where Sydney Carton—a character with whom readers are often only too familiar—navigates a life filled with pain, loss, and ultimately, the quest for redemption. The pivotal twist that Darnay is Carton’s unknowing changeling replacement piqued my interest immediately. This added layer of faery lore, while initially overwhelming, eventually coalesced into a beautifully woven tapestry of revenge, hope, and identity.
Sydney’s narrative arc is heart-wrenching yet deeply relatable. He was stolen from his family and cast as a servant in the Faery Realm, burdened by a traumatic past that shapes his every choice. The way Lo explores his struggle for agency and control felt profound. As someone who often grapples with personal struggles, I couldn’t help but root for Sydney as he endeavors to reclaim his narrative and seek revenge against the very forces that marked his life. The quote, "Every revolution, however it ends, begins with a flicker of hope," lingered with me long after reading, embodying the essence of both the story and the revolutionary spirit it encapsulates.
Admittedly, the first quarter of the book felt dense, with a plethora of characters and plot intricacies that threw me off-balance. Yet, as the story transitioned to France, things began to click into place. The pacing picked up, and each character sparkled with new depth. The transformation of familiar figures into more complex beings was a joy to explore. In particular, Lucie, resembling Sydney’s childhood friend Ivy, brought an emotional dynamic that deepened the stakes of the narrative.
Listening to the final chapters with tears prickling my eyes while at work, it struck me how Lo managed to imbue even the most tragic moments with an undercurrent of hope. The ending, while bittersweet, left me with a sense of closure and possibility, something I didn’t expect from a tale rooted in so much sorrow.
A special mention goes out to Nathaniel Priestley, whose narration was an absolute delight. His ability to breathe life into each character made them distinct and memorable, making for an immersive listening experience that I won’t soon forget.
If you are a fan of retellings, fantasy, or simply enjoy tales that question identity and agency, "A Far Better Thing" deserves a spot on your reading list. This book is not just a rehashing of a classic; it’s an exploration of what it means to truly live, to fight, and to hope, even in the darkest of times.
Reading "A Far Better Thing" left me not only enchanted but also reflective about the battles we all face—both internal and external. I hope you, too, find the joy and spark of hope within its pages.
Discover more about A Far Better Thing on GoodReads >>