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The Fairytale Chicago of Francesca Finnegan
"Intelligent, enchanting, playful" - Publishers Weekly
In Chicago, a curious L train runs through a hidden side of the city, at the intersection of something here and something there, right where you stop believing in last. On that train, you'll discover fantastical truths about the city, alongside the most fascinating cast of characters, including one exceptional girl by the name of Francesca Finnegan.
Once upon an autumn night, Francesca invited a boy named Richard aboard the secret L, for an adventure unlike any other. The night was a mad epic, complete with spectral whiskey, fabled Ferris wheels, gravity-defying first kisses, and more, as the pair traveled through the famed Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, Dunning Mental Asylum, and Riverview Amusement Park. Unfortunately for Richard, the night ended like one of those elusive dreams, forgotten the moment you wake. Now, Richard is all grown up and out of childish adventures, a humdrum adult whose life is on the verge of ruin. It will take the rediscovery of his exploits with Francesca, and a reacquaintance with the boy he once was, to save him.
Witty, humorous, and at times profound, this modern fairytale teaches a lesson - one that adult readers are sure to benefit from.
Half the proceeds from this book are donated to Chicago Public Schools. Learn more at fairytalechicago.com.
In Chicago, a curious L train runs through a hidden side of the city, at the intersection of something here and something there, right where you stop believing in last. On that train, you'll discover fantastical truths about the city, alongside the most fascinating cast of characters, including one exceptional girl by the name of Francesca Finnegan.
Once upon an autumn night, Francesca invited a boy named Richard aboard the secret L, for an adventure unlike any other. The night was a mad epic, complete with spectral whiskey, fabled Ferris wheels, gravity-defying first kisses, and more, as the pair traveled through the famed Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, Dunning Mental Asylum, and Riverview Amusement Park. Unfortunately for Richard, the night ended like one of those elusive dreams, forgotten the moment you wake. Now, Richard is all grown up and out of childish adventures, a humdrum adult whose life is on the verge of ruin. It will take the rediscovery of his exploits with Francesca, and a reacquaintance with the boy he once was, to save him.
Witty, humorous, and at times profound, this modern fairytale teaches a lesson - one that adult readers are sure to benefit from.
Half the proceeds from this book are donated to Chicago Public Schools. Learn more at fairytalechicago.com.
250 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2017
291 people are currently reading
839 people want to read
About the author
Steve Wiley
6 books91 followersSteve is a purveyor of speculative literature from Chicago. He has authored six books and his short fiction has been published everywhere from Crannog magazine in Galway, Ireland, to Papercuts Magazine in Pakistan. His most recent title, The Strange Story of the Man Who Murdered Time, will be released in March of 2026, and is now available for pre-order.
For new title release and other information, visit Steve’s author website at https://www.absurdistfiction.com/.
For new title release and other information, visit Steve’s author website at https://www.absurdistfiction.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
March 6, 2017
(Reprinted from the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography [cclapcenter.com]. I am the original author of this essay, as well as the owner of CCLaP; it is not being reprinted illegally.)
I'll admit, although the premise of Steve Wiley's The Fairytale Chicago of Francesca Finnegan is a really clever one that will immediately appeal to locals -- basically, that there's an entire urban-fantasy secret history of the city, including an underwater "lavender line" el train that runs through a submerged east side of Chicago -- I had been half-expecting the actual book itself to be only subpar, because it's written with the deliberately flowery simplicity of a fairytale, and in general I have had bad luck in the past with self-published urban-fantasy novels written in the style of fairytales. So it was a welcome surprise, then, that Wiley's take on the genre turns out to be quite delightful while still maintaining a dark, mature tone, a book that successfully straddles that fine line between whimsical and treacly.
Chock-full of wonderfully twisted references that only locals will get -- a personal favorite, for example, are the drunk elves enjoying an absinthe-style ritualized round of Malort, which according to the narrator tastes like it does because it's been infused with the evil dead spirit of Al Capone -- this is exactly the kind of book for people who hear a term like "The Green Mill" and picture a literal mill painted green out in the wilds of the city edges, a novel that quite ingeniously incorporates all manner of actual local landmarks and legends then blows them up to the level of high fantasy. I love having a chance to recommend tiny press runs like these that would normally escape your attention, so do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this short, fast-reading novel soon.
Out of 10: 8.7
I'll admit, although the premise of Steve Wiley's The Fairytale Chicago of Francesca Finnegan is a really clever one that will immediately appeal to locals -- basically, that there's an entire urban-fantasy secret history of the city, including an underwater "lavender line" el train that runs through a submerged east side of Chicago -- I had been half-expecting the actual book itself to be only subpar, because it's written with the deliberately flowery simplicity of a fairytale, and in general I have had bad luck in the past with self-published urban-fantasy novels written in the style of fairytales. So it was a welcome surprise, then, that Wiley's take on the genre turns out to be quite delightful while still maintaining a dark, mature tone, a book that successfully straddles that fine line between whimsical and treacly.
Chock-full of wonderfully twisted references that only locals will get -- a personal favorite, for example, are the drunk elves enjoying an absinthe-style ritualized round of Malort, which according to the narrator tastes like it does because it's been infused with the evil dead spirit of Al Capone -- this is exactly the kind of book for people who hear a term like "The Green Mill" and picture a literal mill painted green out in the wilds of the city edges, a novel that quite ingeniously incorporates all manner of actual local landmarks and legends then blows them up to the level of high fantasy. I love having a chance to recommend tiny press runs like these that would normally escape your attention, so do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this short, fast-reading novel soon.
Out of 10: 8.7
March 24, 2017
Richard Lyons may be rich, but he's not happy. He's going through life like a zombie. But then, one Friday night, he meets a girl who tells fairy tales in the street. An accidental bump to the head later, and so begin the adventures of Rich Lyons through Francesca Finnegan's fairytale Chicago.
I was captivated from the opening line - "There is magic in the city." - which sets the tone for this magical story that reads like a modern, original fairy tale. It's a charming, whimsical, alternate history of Chicago, complete with funny footnotes, nonsense verse, and cute illustrations (by Chris Cihon). Fragments of things Richard saw before he becomes unconscious, manifest themselves in his adventures. In this respect, the book is reminiscent of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
Take a trip with Rich on the mythical Lavender Line through Chicago's non-existent East Side. You'll meet real-life historical figures, as well as fairytale creatures such as the house-cat train conductor, Queen Billy Boyle, Templeton the elf, Thumbelina, Lucy the mermaid, the Grand Duke of Rhine Falls, Mr. Fox, and - of course - the blue-haired Francesca Finnegan. You'll be regaled with tales (look out, it's contagious!) of old Chicago landmarks: the last city farm, Dunning Mental Hospital, Riverview Amusement park, the Green Mill cocktail lounge, Aragon castle, and the abandoned Chicago cable car tunnels.
You'll learn how the Windy City got its name, the cause of the Great Chicago Fire, the origin of the infamous Chicago liqueur Malört, the true events of the Saint Valentine's Day massacre, the legend of footballer George Gipp, the origin of the city's flag, why the Chicago River flows backwards, the story of John Kinzie and the Polish Potawatomi, the origin of Chicago's name, the story of the Dearborn Massacre, the phenomenon of the Chicago River turning green, the cause of the lightening of the Chicago night sky, the origin of Chicago's mermaid statue, and how the Aragon Ballroom came to have its star-studded ceiling.
Along the way, Richard regains some of the magic of his youth - and so will you. A wonderful, satisfying fairy tale for adults.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (24 March): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
I was captivated from the opening line - "There is magic in the city." - which sets the tone for this magical story that reads like a modern, original fairy tale. It's a charming, whimsical, alternate history of Chicago, complete with funny footnotes, nonsense verse, and cute illustrations (by Chris Cihon). Fragments of things Richard saw before he becomes unconscious, manifest themselves in his adventures. In this respect, the book is reminiscent of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
Take a trip with Rich on the mythical Lavender Line through Chicago's non-existent East Side. You'll meet real-life historical figures, as well as fairytale creatures such as the house-cat train conductor, Queen Billy Boyle, Templeton the elf, Thumbelina, Lucy the mermaid, the Grand Duke of Rhine Falls, Mr. Fox, and - of course - the blue-haired Francesca Finnegan. You'll be regaled with tales (look out, it's contagious!) of old Chicago landmarks: the last city farm, Dunning Mental Hospital, Riverview Amusement park, the Green Mill cocktail lounge, Aragon castle, and the abandoned Chicago cable car tunnels.
You'll learn how the Windy City got its name, the cause of the Great Chicago Fire, the origin of the infamous Chicago liqueur Malört, the true events of the Saint Valentine's Day massacre, the legend of footballer George Gipp, the origin of the city's flag, why the Chicago River flows backwards, the story of John Kinzie and the Polish Potawatomi, the origin of Chicago's name, the story of the Dearborn Massacre, the phenomenon of the Chicago River turning green, the cause of the lightening of the Chicago night sky, the origin of Chicago's mermaid statue, and how the Aragon Ballroom came to have its star-studded ceiling.
Along the way, Richard regains some of the magic of his youth - and so will you. A wonderful, satisfying fairy tale for adults.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (24 March): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
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May 30, 2017No star rating because I just couldn't finish it. Just...no.
There is a difference between authors who are a little wacky (Brautigan, Adams, Pratchett, Sedaris) and those who really try to be wacky.
This book is all over the place. The words are very aware of how clever they are.
Maybe someone else will love it. I just couldn't get past that feeling to enjoy the story line.
There is a difference between authors who are a little wacky (Brautigan, Adams, Pratchett, Sedaris) and those who really try to be wacky.
This book is all over the place. The words are very aware of how clever they are.
Maybe someone else will love it. I just couldn't get past that feeling to enjoy the story line.
December 18, 2016
This is a tale about a middle aged man, Richard, who is re-united with an old childhood friend, Francesca, who then goes on to remind and show Richard of a secret magical world that is going on all around us in Chicago.
I think part of this tale that appealed to me, was the main character's Richards life and how as a child he believed and lived in a world of magic, wonder and fairies although he barely remembers any of this now, as real life has caught up with him. Richard is now a successful business man, a 'vice president of something', married and with kids but clearly looking for something else or more out of life, hence the naughty and disappointing side to his character of womanising and drug taking. These aspects and some choice bit's of strong language keep this away from being a children's book but far from ruins the tale.
So I enjoyed the story and premise, and I liked the little bit's of humour sprinkled around, like his job of 'vice president of something' for example and there are these little bits of poke fun found throughout. There are also interesting little creatures dotted about like a cat-headed conductor on the train they catch or water sprites that help him find this hidden little world. But with all that said I'm only giving the story 3 stars out of 5 as although a charming book, it didn't grab me in a way that made me want to find out what would happen next and although I could understand the main character, he wasn't likeable as an adult so I was never worried about him and how he would get on.
A nice little story though.
I think part of this tale that appealed to me, was the main character's Richards life and how as a child he believed and lived in a world of magic, wonder and fairies although he barely remembers any of this now, as real life has caught up with him. Richard is now a successful business man, a 'vice president of something', married and with kids but clearly looking for something else or more out of life, hence the naughty and disappointing side to his character of womanising and drug taking. These aspects and some choice bit's of strong language keep this away from being a children's book but far from ruins the tale.
So I enjoyed the story and premise, and I liked the little bit's of humour sprinkled around, like his job of 'vice president of something' for example and there are these little bits of poke fun found throughout. There are also interesting little creatures dotted about like a cat-headed conductor on the train they catch or water sprites that help him find this hidden little world. But with all that said I'm only giving the story 3 stars out of 5 as although a charming book, it didn't grab me in a way that made me want to find out what would happen next and although I could understand the main character, he wasn't likeable as an adult so I was never worried about him and how he would get on.
A nice little story though.
December 8, 2020
I liked this, it has some good laugh out loud moments. I liked the Chicago references that are correct... I wonder why a writer would put details in a book about a place they must not be familiar with? I bought the other available Steve Wiley book.
January 7, 2017
**I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in return for my own personal and honest review**
What a book. I saw this book while flicking through Netgalley and thought I just have to read it. And I am so glad I did.
Richard the rich has managed to do what many aspire to do and become the Vice President of something or other and has managed to become an incredibly rich man. Sadly he also seems to have become an incredibly unhappy man too - perhaps a true reflection on today's society. Whilst wandering the streets of Chicago he finds a girl selling fairytales in exchange for some falling mice and upon falling and hitting his head he discovers the lost memories of the most magical night of his life.
This book is not for children but it is for those with childish spirits. The details of the characters were only bolstered by the beautiful artwork. Who couldn't love Templton or Mr. Fox?
I think everyone should read this book because it may help you remember the important things and the importance of maybe not being so important after all.
What a book. I saw this book while flicking through Netgalley and thought I just have to read it. And I am so glad I did.
Richard the rich has managed to do what many aspire to do and become the Vice President of something or other and has managed to become an incredibly rich man. Sadly he also seems to have become an incredibly unhappy man too - perhaps a true reflection on today's society. Whilst wandering the streets of Chicago he finds a girl selling fairytales in exchange for some falling mice and upon falling and hitting his head he discovers the lost memories of the most magical night of his life.
This book is not for children but it is for those with childish spirits. The details of the characters were only bolstered by the beautiful artwork. Who couldn't love Templton or Mr. Fox?
I think everyone should read this book because it may help you remember the important things and the importance of maybe not being so important after all.
April 13, 2017
Hilarious. That's what this is.
This reminds me of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, because they share an outlandish sense of silliness. Fanciful, whimsical stuff like a talking fox show up for no discernible reason. I need that to happen in all books.
The whole book is whimsical and joyful, and clearly a labor of fun for writer Steve Wiley.
Major points for the perfect reference to "Magic" from The Cars. The 1984 song strikes precisely the right tone for the book. I couldn't get it out of my head for the remainder of the time I was reading. It's still stuck there now. This is an excellent thing. (review by Joe Crowe, on Twitter at RevolutionSF.)
This reminds me of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, because they share an outlandish sense of silliness. Fanciful, whimsical stuff like a talking fox show up for no discernible reason. I need that to happen in all books.
The whole book is whimsical and joyful, and clearly a labor of fun for writer Steve Wiley.
Major points for the perfect reference to "Magic" from The Cars. The 1984 song strikes precisely the right tone for the book. I couldn't get it out of my head for the remainder of the time I was reading. It's still stuck there now. This is an excellent thing. (review by Joe Crowe, on Twitter at RevolutionSF.)
March 23, 2017
I got my hands on this audiobook as part of a blog tour, and after reading the description, I immediately volunteered to review it.
As adults, how often do we look at our lives and wish the magic we believed in as children was real? (Even if, like me, it's just the magic that would enable chores to do themselves and cleaning to always be done!) This book is a well-done nod to that feeling that takes you by the hand and says, "Let's fix that, shall we?" While I listened to the audiobook, I kind of wish I had read it in print instead. The audio was quality work, but I wasn't able to lose myself in the story as much as if I had read it in print. So, let that be a lesson to me!
Let's do a little word association. You say "The Fairytale Chicago of Francesca Finnegan", I will say:
Inventive, original, sassy, humorous, wistful, and hmmmmmmm...
I know. That's a lot of words. Let me explain a bit. This is definitely not a book for children but for adults who enjoy fairy tales with a bit of Monty Python-esque humor and discourse. Richard is a bit of an odd lead character but the action around him will keep you engaged - especially the fantasy bits and the mystery surrounding Francesca.
So why the hmmmm...? It could have been the format I absorbed the material in, but I wasn't rushing back to hear more. Although I did recommend the book to my brother who is a truck driver and would likely enjoy this book immensely, the audiobook was not quite "for me".
My advice: read it as a print book or ebook and love it - especially if you are familiar with the city of Chicago!
As adults, how often do we look at our lives and wish the magic we believed in as children was real? (Even if, like me, it's just the magic that would enable chores to do themselves and cleaning to always be done!) This book is a well-done nod to that feeling that takes you by the hand and says, "Let's fix that, shall we?" While I listened to the audiobook, I kind of wish I had read it in print instead. The audio was quality work, but I wasn't able to lose myself in the story as much as if I had read it in print. So, let that be a lesson to me!
Let's do a little word association. You say "The Fairytale Chicago of Francesca Finnegan", I will say:
Inventive, original, sassy, humorous, wistful, and hmmmmmmm...
I know. That's a lot of words. Let me explain a bit. This is definitely not a book for children but for adults who enjoy fairy tales with a bit of Monty Python-esque humor and discourse. Richard is a bit of an odd lead character but the action around him will keep you engaged - especially the fantasy bits and the mystery surrounding Francesca.
So why the hmmmm...? It could have been the format I absorbed the material in, but I wasn't rushing back to hear more. Although I did recommend the book to my brother who is a truck driver and would likely enjoy this book immensely, the audiobook was not quite "for me".
My advice: read it as a print book or ebook and love it - especially if you are familiar with the city of Chicago!
October 1, 2018
This is not a deep book, but it is a delightful and charming tale that incorporates an obvious love for Chicago and its history. It made me look at the city in a more magical, childlike way:
"And so the old man performed tricks for Rich and regaled him with city folklore and fantasy. He said the Great Chicago Fire was arson, started by a fire-breathing dragon from the Fulton River District who was fed up with the cold winters. He said the Chicago River started flowing backward when a giant sea serpent sneezed so powerfully it changed the direction of the current."
(Of course, after reading this book, you will know that was actually the work of a magical forest machinist monster who was mourning the loss of his daughter.)
If you need a quick, fantastical read that is a fun antidote to adulting, this is the book for you.
"And so the old man performed tricks for Rich and regaled him with city folklore and fantasy. He said the Great Chicago Fire was arson, started by a fire-breathing dragon from the Fulton River District who was fed up with the cold winters. He said the Chicago River started flowing backward when a giant sea serpent sneezed so powerfully it changed the direction of the current."
(Of course, after reading this book, you will know that was actually the work of a magical forest machinist monster who was mourning the loss of his daughter.)
If you need a quick, fantastical read that is a fun antidote to adulting, this is the book for you.
September 25, 2017
The Fairytale Chicago of Francesca Finnegan is a whimsical frolic through an alternate Chicago–past and present–complete with the “real” stories behind many famous Chicago sites, events, and characters. Readers unfamiliar with Chicago landmarks, history, and culture may not find the stories as entertaining as those who have fallen under the Windy City’s charms, but anyone who has will be captivated. To read this review in its entirety, please stop by Undergroundbookreviews (dot) org.
January 1, 2021
I really wanted to like this book. What could go wrong with combining Chicago and magic? Well, lots. This reads like an unedited transcription of an imaginative 7-year old's drunken fever dream after having fallen asleep on an old Chicago map. I was put off by the unnecessary uses of racial slurs and stereotypes, which felt more editorial than contextual. I finished it with the hopes of it getting better only because it was so short.
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January 11, 2018I don't normally write about books I read, but this book was really cool! Being from Chicago it was really fun to read a book and know the places and things that were used in the story! Like watching a movie with your town as the backdrop to the story! And this was a twist on the Chicago I know & love! If you liked Faiy Tales as a kid, you'd probably like this book! I highly recommend it!
December 7, 2023
4.5. Especially awesome if you're familiar with Chicago :) If not, you'll want to go there immediately.
Definitely a fairy tale for adults in both concept and content. I enjoyed it immensely- it reminds adults to be kids again if they need that reminder.
Definitely a fairy tale for adults in both concept and content. I enjoyed it immensely- it reminds adults to be kids again if they need that reminder.
March 18, 2017
***AUDIO BOOK***
When we first encounter Richard K. Lyons, he is no longer the boy that believed in magic and fairy tales, his life is boring, a marriage that is failing and he is also contemplating suiced. Until he runs into Francesca who little by little shows him the magic that built parts of Chicago, on board of a secret L line.
Dreams that were forgotten once you woke up, Tich (Richard) is now a grown man, no longer the child that believed, will the rediscovery of his past trip with her save him.?
you will have to read to find out.
I received a free audio for my honest review!
Review by Jara
When we first encounter Richard K. Lyons, he is no longer the boy that believed in magic and fairy tales, his life is boring, a marriage that is failing and he is also contemplating suiced. Until he runs into Francesca who little by little shows him the magic that built parts of Chicago, on board of a secret L line.
Dreams that were forgotten once you woke up, Tich (Richard) is now a grown man, no longer the child that believed, will the rediscovery of his past trip with her save him.?
you will have to read to find out.
I received a free audio for my honest review!
Review by Jara
March 9, 2017
The Fairytale Chicago of Francesca Finnegan by: Steve Wiley This book to me was almost like an adult version of Alice in Wonderland. Instead of a White Rabbit there was Francesca Finnegan. One night when Rich was young he ran into Francesca and she take him on a ride on the Secret L Train. Now Rich is an adult, to me a pretty messed up adult. He has to remember the night with Francesca to save himself.
The book bounces a bit. There are some silly to crazy stories mixed in with Rich's life story. At first I thought I was not going to get into the book but I pressed on and am now glad I did. This is a book unlike any I have ever read other then Alice in Wonderland. But unlike it, this is not for kids. The writing was well done and very imaginative. There is quite a bit of language in the book. I do think it was a fun book though.
The book bounces a bit. There are some silly to crazy stories mixed in with Rich's life story. At first I thought I was not going to get into the book but I pressed on and am now glad I did. This is a book unlike any I have ever read other then Alice in Wonderland. But unlike it, this is not for kids. The writing was well done and very imaginative. There is quite a bit of language in the book. I do think it was a fun book though.
February 4, 2019
I love this book! I’m instantly re-reading it!!
March 3, 2017
Funny. Whimsical. Surprising. Everything a good "modern" fairytale should be. A wonderful trip trough the nooks and crannies of historic Chicago. The story follows the life of depressed Richard Lyons, who is stuck in the humdrum of corporate America. Due to an unexpected event, Richard explores the magical and surprising Windy City of today and yesterday, meeting a number of unforgettable characters along the way; the most memorable being Francesca Finnegan. The ending is redeeming and heartwarming. Truly a fun and fanciful tale. Chicagoans will adore this nostalgic ride.
February 2, 2019
I've never read anything quite like this!
March 1, 2017
I LOVED IT!!! Here is the magical, satirical, hysterical, and shockingly poignant tale of what happens when Richard K. Lyons, an immensely wealthy and important "vice president of something" boards Chicago's mythical "L train" and encounters the wild, blue-haired Francesca Finnegan: a girl from his past, who maybe, just maybe, will make him rediscover magic. A wholly unique take on adulthood and imagination.
March 1, 2017
The Fairytale Chicago of Francesca Finnegan is such a unique story! We have all been nostalgic for the childlike wonder we once had as we age into cynical adults, which is exactly what happened to Richard Lyons. It's a fun fairytale but written for adults, which makes it all the more enjoyable. Chicagoans and others alike will love this awesome book!
August 28, 2018
As a Chicagoan this was a fabulous read! All the great stories of Chicago from Malort to the Great Chicago Fire, Fort Dearborn, the mysterious mermaid statue, Riverview, The Green Mill, The Aragon Ballroom, and on and on...told as fairy tales. Humorous and entertaining! Loved it!
May 21, 2017
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
The Fairytale Chicago of Francesca Finnegan is a truly outstanding read. It’s hard to review it, because it’s not just one genre, and it’s not just one story – it transcends both, becoming more than just a fantasy book, more than just the story of one man and the strange girl he met on a secret L train many years ago. It goes beyond that, way beyond, and combines myth and magic and mystery and fantasy in a tale with otherworldly qualities.
Richard K. Lyons has long forgotten the magical night he spent as a boy on the secret L train, an epic night with adventures beyond his wildest dreams. But now Rich has become Richard, a grown up man, an adult whose life is on the verge of ruin. He’s forgotten everything that ever meant something to him – he’s forgotten how to be happy, how to truly feel joy (a rather accurate reflection of a lot of people nowadays, if you ask me).
Another night with Francesca, another night on that secret L train, might take him back to the boy he once was, to the joy he once felt.
The author does a good job describing the mystical creatures Richard encounters on the magical east side of Chicago. It’s a whimsical, fun, humorous tale that can make one wonder whatever happens to the magic of childhood. An enjoyable book that I would recommend to anyone who loves something a little different.
The Fairytale Chicago of Francesca Finnegan is a truly outstanding read. It’s hard to review it, because it’s not just one genre, and it’s not just one story – it transcends both, becoming more than just a fantasy book, more than just the story of one man and the strange girl he met on a secret L train many years ago. It goes beyond that, way beyond, and combines myth and magic and mystery and fantasy in a tale with otherworldly qualities.
Richard K. Lyons has long forgotten the magical night he spent as a boy on the secret L train, an epic night with adventures beyond his wildest dreams. But now Rich has become Richard, a grown up man, an adult whose life is on the verge of ruin. He’s forgotten everything that ever meant something to him – he’s forgotten how to be happy, how to truly feel joy (a rather accurate reflection of a lot of people nowadays, if you ask me).
Another night with Francesca, another night on that secret L train, might take him back to the boy he once was, to the joy he once felt.
The author does a good job describing the mystical creatures Richard encounters on the magical east side of Chicago. It’s a whimsical, fun, humorous tale that can make one wonder whatever happens to the magic of childhood. An enjoyable book that I would recommend to anyone who loves something a little different.
July 29, 2018
Such a delightful tale that captures the magical history of this magical city. A Christmas Carol meets A Midsummer Night's Dream along the shores of Lake Michigan.
October 7, 2019
Not since One Hundred Years of Solitude has a work of fiction make me laugh out loud. It happened in the same spot with both books, at the end of the first paragraph on the first page.
In The Fairytale Chicago of Francesca Finnegan the author tells us that “the city felt like something made of magic”, and it does.
This book reminds me of the Pedway; a mythical underground world beneath Chicago that millions of the city’s own denizens don’t even know exists and, those that do, don’t know how to find it. But it exists nonetheless and is frequented by thousands of people a day. This book blends fantasy and reality into an urban fairy tale that, I can almost guarantee, you will not find the likes of anywhere else.
The only other book I could compare this to would be Nelson Algren’s Chicago: City on the Make. While it is not a prose poem it does succeed, like Algren’s book, in making something real unreal and something unfamiliar familiar.
The writing, at times, is dead on and, if you’re familiar with Chicago, you will feel it in your bones.
If you’re not familiar with Chicago pick up a copy of this book. You’ll be glad you did.
In The Fairytale Chicago of Francesca Finnegan the author tells us that “the city felt like something made of magic”, and it does.
This book reminds me of the Pedway; a mythical underground world beneath Chicago that millions of the city’s own denizens don’t even know exists and, those that do, don’t know how to find it. But it exists nonetheless and is frequented by thousands of people a day. This book blends fantasy and reality into an urban fairy tale that, I can almost guarantee, you will not find the likes of anywhere else.
The only other book I could compare this to would be Nelson Algren’s Chicago: City on the Make. While it is not a prose poem it does succeed, like Algren’s book, in making something real unreal and something unfamiliar familiar.
The writing, at times, is dead on and, if you’re familiar with Chicago, you will feel it in your bones.
If you’re not familiar with Chicago pick up a copy of this book. You’ll be glad you did.
February 23, 2017
I never thought I would be into a book with fairies, but then again, I probably thought the same thing about dragons and vampires at one point too.
This book is like nothing I've ever read before, in a good way. I'm not used to books from the fantasy genre, but this one pulled me in right away. The writing is almost as magical as the story, so many great quotes in this book like "once people stop asking you your favorite color, you're done for".
The mystical "east side" of Chicago, and all of its residents - from elves, to fairies, to mermaids and more, are so vividly described - definitely one of those books where the characters and setting remain in your memory for awhile.
This book goes from dark to light so brilliantly, and has enough warm fuzzies to offset any edginess.
This book is like nothing I've ever read before, in a good way. I'm not used to books from the fantasy genre, but this one pulled me in right away. The writing is almost as magical as the story, so many great quotes in this book like "once people stop asking you your favorite color, you're done for".
The mystical "east side" of Chicago, and all of its residents - from elves, to fairies, to mermaids and more, are so vividly described - definitely one of those books where the characters and setting remain in your memory for awhile.
This book goes from dark to light so brilliantly, and has enough warm fuzzies to offset any edginess.
July 19, 2018
DNF. Everything about this book was silly, and not in the "Dr. Seuss" good kind of silly. In the "this is the dumbest thing I have ever read" type of silly. I received my copy of this just before leaving on a trip to visit a friend and we ended up reading bits of it out loud and sharing our disbelief over the sheer ludicrous nature of the narrative. Normally I refuse to give first-time writers a one-star review but (1) I don't think this is the author's first book and (2) there is no way all of the 4 and 5 star reviews are genuine. Readers beware. This book is not a delightful take on fairy tales. It's a poorly written clusterf***.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed the individual fairytales contained within this book but thought the overall identity was confused. Was this about Francesca? Rich? Chicago? What seemed to start as a story about Rich's self-discovery got distracted by all the tangential stories. I quite liked the style of writing but at times felt that this ought to be a children's book - save for some of the language! Not quite sure what to make of it.
January 18, 2017
I won The Fairytale Chicago of Francesca Finnegan from Goodreads for an honest review. I didn't really like this book. I had to put it down. I tried to go back to it but I couldn't.
October 7, 2018
Magical
Read it in two days,could not put it down. Was looking for a change in what I was reading,this was it
Read it in two days,could not put it down. Was looking for a change in what I was reading,this was it
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