Thursday 24 July 2014

Review: The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains

Title: The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains
Author: Neil Gaiman
Published by: Headline on 17th June 2014
Genre: Graphic Novel Fantasy
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
Buy it from Amazon or Book Depository
Check it out on Goodreads

*I received a copy of this book free from the publisher via BookBridgr for review consideration, this in no way affects my opinion of the book.* (But the fact that it is by Neil Gaiman, in every way, affects my opinion of the book. Just Saying)

Goodreads Synopsis: You ask me if I can forgive myself?
I can forgive myself . . .

And so begins The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains, a haunting story of family, the otherworld, and a search for hidden treasure. This gorgeous full-color illustrated book version was born of a unique collaboration between New York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman and renowned artist Eddie Campbell, who brought to vivid life the characters and landscape of Gaiman's award-winning story. In this volume, the talents and vision of two great creative geniuses come together in a glorious explosion of color and shadow, memory and regret, vengeance and, ultimately, love.

. . . for many things. For where I left him.
For what I did.


My Thoughts: First off, the cover does not do this book justice at all, if it wasn't by Neil Gaiman I wouldn't even look twice at it. But it is Neil Gaiman and, of course, it is wonderful.

It is not strictly a graphic novel but more of a short story that greatly relies on illustration to achieve its full dark and moody effect. The illustrations themselves are beautiful despite being quite roughly drawn and dark, they truly do add to the story itself.

The story seems simple at first glance, a man and his guide journeying to a cave that supposedly holds treasure. As it is written in the folk-tale fashion, there are deeper meanings relating to loss, revenge and forgiveness. I went into this story knowing nothing about it and I think that is best with such a short tale. The story managed to surprise me and even had a shocking twist towards the end. The writing is typical Neil Gaiman, so exquisite and lyrical that it makes me want to cry it is so good.

I recommend this to anyone looking for a beautifully written and illustrated short story with hidden depth, that can be read time and again, and finding new meaning each time.


2 comments:

  1. This is one of my absolute favorite pieces by an author. It coming from Neil Gaiman makes it all the better!
    I first read this short story in an Anthology called Stories. It was the best short story out of the whole book. So when I saw that he was coming out with an illustrated book on it, Uuugggggg, was I thrilled! Day it came out, bought!!! It's wonderful!!!!
    Glad you enjoyed it too!
    Big Hugs xoxo
    Michelle -Book Hangovers Blabs Books

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It certainly is wonderful and so very Neil Gaiman ;-)

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