'Dingo'
by Charles de Lint
Fiction/Fantasy/YA, 2008
Firebird (Penguin), hardback, 213p.
part of the Newford series
“Ever have one of those moments when everything just kind of stops and it feels as though the whole universe is focused on this one thing that’s got your attention? That’s what it’s like when I see her.”First I have to thank Carl for sending me this book that I won during this year’s Once Upon a Time II challenge. I’d heard of Charles de Lint, but I didn’t know where to start (or which books belonged to Newford, which didn’t) and I’m always a bit hesitant to start in on a series when I know there are so many of them. This took that decision out of my hands and gave me the nudge I needed. It’s a fairly slim book, and it’s YA so it was a really quick read. In fact, I kind of wished the story and characters had been fleshed out more so it would last longer, and I did find the writing a bit straightforward and juvenile, but it was still a very fun introduction to the imagination of de Lint. So while it was my first time to read one of his books, it won’t be my last. I’ve actually already ordered a couple that I’ll pick up when I’m in Canada over Christmas, and that I’m really looking forward to reading.
High school senior Miguel’s life is turned upside down when he meets Lainey, whose family has moved from Australia to a lakeside beach town outside of Newford. With her tumbled red-gold hair, her instant understanding of who he is, and her unusual dog, she’s unforgettable. And as he quickly learns, she is on the run from a bargain made by her ancestors. There’s no question that Miguel will do whatever he can to help her – but what price will each of them have to pay?
Dingo is quintessential Charles de Lint – a mixture of darkness and hope, humor and mystery, and the friendship within love.
Author's website
Interview at Bookslut
My Rating: 3.5/5
(#47 for 2008, 2nd Canadian Book Challenge)
Also reviewed at:
Becky's Book Reviews
Reminder: If you have read and reviewed this title, let me know and I'll link to it here.
8 witty remarks:
Charles de Lint is one of those authors I never seem able to get around to reading.
I haven't read this one yet, but I want to one of these days. I'm glad toy enjoyed it for the most part, and I hope your next experience with De Lint is even better.
I am so happy for you that you get to go home this Christmas.You must be very happy, it isn't far away. Bring back a whole lot of books :))
John - I know what you mean. I'm glad I finally read something by him.
Nymeth - I read a few reviews saying this one wasn't up to de Lint's usual style, so I expect my next experience will be better. It was still a fun read though.
Madeleine - Thanks. It's been quite a few years since I was 'home' for Christmas, so I'm really looking forward to it.
As for books, I've already got 7 of them waiting for me at my dad's house (2 of those hardback!), plus I'll most definitely buy more when I visit my favourite book stores! I think my suitcases will be very very heavy on the way back!!
I haven't yet read anything by Charles de Lint yet, but I would like to. I'm not always such a fan of YA fiction, and so perhaps I should start with something else by him.
Wendy - This might not be the best place to start then. I'm not really sure which one, or ones, are considered his best but at least he has quite a few to choose from.
I hope to get to this very soon. I love what I have read of Charles de Lint and didn't know this was set in Newford. Thanks for the review.
Rhinoa - From what I gather, not having read any Newford books, is the beach town this one was set in is just outside Newford. But it is considered part of them. I look forward to reading more by him, hopefully next year.
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