Book Review: ‘Heartless’ by Marissa Meyer
Marissa Meyer’s newest standalone novel, ‘Heartless’, is as brilliant and well-written as it is heart-breaking. Taking place in the world of Wonderland before Alice arrived to dub it so, we are introduced to the Queen of Hearts before she was crowned, back when she was just a young, happy girl with an impossible dream, in love with an impossible boy.
Anyone whose read Meyer’s bestselling series, ‘The Lunar Chronicles’, knows no one puts a twist on fairytales like she does and ‘Heartless’ is no exception, taking us on a fantastical misadventure full of magic and monarchs, jesters and Jabberwockies, hatters and heroes whilst capturing much of the essence of Lewis Carroll’s original stories. In fact, I highly recommend reading the original tales first to fully appreciate the various references and backstories Meyer incorporates — fitting a method to Carroll’s madness.
It is a read aimed at an audience of teens to young adults but there’s no reason why it couldn’t be enjoyed by readers of a younger or older age. The book can be found in most high-street bookstores or online, and for further details you can check out the official ‘Heartless’ webpage at http://www.marissameyer.com/book/heartless/.
Meyer spins a clever, tragic tale that leaves its readers amazed and sympathising with one of literatures maddest and most unforgiving villains; giving testimony to the adage that “a villain is just a victim whose story hasn’t been told”.
With thanks to Adele Irlam.
