Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
This topic is about
Stardust
Previous BRs - Authors; E - H
>
Gaiman, Neil - Stardust - "Relaxed" Buddy Read - Read the book & watch the movie - Start January 25 2014
message 2:
by
Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief
(last edited Jan 24, 2014 02:48AM)
(new)
-
added it
Mod
As this is a "relaxed" buddy read, we won't have a daily schedule of reading or set DQs. However, below is a suggested break-up of the book to indicate where to pause your reading and provide comments, thoughts and/or questions.
January 25 Start reading!
January 26 - pause to discuss Chapters 1 & 2 (start)
January 29 - pause to discuss Chapters 3-6 (middle)
January 31 - Discuss the end! (Chapters 7-10)
If you have been able to get a copy of the movie, please share your thoughts on how it compares!
Mod
I will have to get a copy of the movie to watch after I've finished the book too :)
The movie is interesting, unfortunatelly, I have seen the movie, but I haven't read the book, so I cannot compare the two, but this buddy read is a great opportunity to catch up :)
I'm in! Just have to remember to grab this one from the library.
I'm in for this one!
I'm in. I've requested the audio from the library and will have it in plenty of time.
Mod
It is! I've been lucky so far, all the Gaiman audio books I've gotten have been narrated by him. I know some of the books we have coming up are not.
Mod
I've listened to 4 of his books now. :)
I missed out on Neverwhere last month, but I just grabbed this obe from the library and look forward to cracking it open soon.
Neverwhere was my favorite so far.
I'd like to join in with reading the book and re-watching the movie :)
message 16:
by
Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Jan 25, 2014 04:47PM)
(new)
-
rated it 4 stars
Mod
- I like how the chapters have the starting sentence headings (e.g. "In which we learn of the Village of wall, and of the...."). It makes it just like an old fairytale
- The concept of Wall and the world outside of it is pretty cool. It is kind of how most towns are anyway, just maybe not as obviously!
- So he wants his heart's desire and gets a baby! Not sure if that is what he expected ;)
- Hempstocks, the market, and cats seem to be common themes in the NG books we have read so far
- Interesting that Tristran doesn't know his history, but the town seem to as they let him go past the wall
So far I like the fairytale nature to this book. It is similar in 'feel' to Neverwhere, but maybe not as dark (not yet anyway)
I like the headings as well. I hadn't thought of the baby as being his heart's desire. I thought it was the woman! lol I figured the baby was what she wanted...considering the particulars of how it occurred.
Yes! Hempstocks are everywhere in his writing! Also, the market and the cat. He definitely has threads that go through several of his books.
I'm beyond this part so, I'm not sure if this applies yet, but I got a bit confused after Tristran went through the wall. There were a few things that happened that I was thinking, "What? When did this happen?" or something similar, but then it cleared up and the story got really good. I'm not sure if I was just distracted or if the story was actually a bit confusing in the part. I'll be interested to see what others think.
And yes, again! The feel of this book reminds me a bit of Neverwhere too.
You can buy the movie on Amazon instant video to rent for 3 dollars. I think I will read the book then watch the movie.
Chapters 1 & 2This is my third NG book so far, and it's the first to really pull me in from the beginning. The setting and characters are unique with a definite fairy tale feel to them.
The whole human-on-fairy love thing really surprised me (as I guess it surprised Dunstan as well). It will be interesting to see how that plays out later.
Tristan and the falling star looks like it will be a fun journey. Victoria must be pretty awesome. I loved all the different things he was willing to do for her and how catching the falling star seemed like an ordinary thing for him to do. He seems up fir the challenge.
I love the bits of humor and descriptions in the book. He describes Tristan as dynamite waiting for someone to light his fuse. I also liked when he tried to think of what he would do for Victoria in Australia. Kangaroos...and opals. He was pretty sure about the opals.
Good stuff.
Chapters 1-2-@Karen, I agree this story feels a lot like Neverwhere, but a little lighter.
-It wasn't a big deal in the story, but I kept trying to figure out what Daisy's feelings toward Tristan were. Did she resent him, and act like a fairy tale evil stepmother? Or did she care for him as one of her own? She does give him food for his trip, but she can't look at him. Maybe she cared for him, but resented him a little?
-Does Tristan really think Daisy is his mother? I mean did he never figured out that the age gap between him and his sister is only 6 months, so they can't be full siblings?
-Why didn't Tristan's fairy mom keep him?
-I'm excited for the world beyond the wall.
I absolutely love the movie, so I'm finding it odd reading the story and seeing the little changes. But I am enjoying the story and all the continued threads of the cats and the markets and of course the Hempstocks.
I do think it is surprising how Tristan doesn't know his history. An I did think it was odd that it was never mentioned how the town reacted. Maybe that was their reaction, don't talk of it!
I'm looking forward to see how the story progresses and how it differs from the movie!
Yes a lot of human and fairy sex. I guess they can procreate together? Ready to see what happens on Tristan's journey now that he has crossed the wall. This is the third Gaiman I have read and this one seems to be centered around love, has a little romantic feel to me.
Chapter 1 & 2This is my fourth Gaiman's book. I see that I am not alone in finding a similarity with Neverwhere. Here there is a wall that divide our world from Faery's world rather than London Above and Below.
Here the contact between the two worlds is more similar to the old legends, where humans were visited by magical creatures, was born a chosen and at the right moment he start a search. All the life of Tristan seem to be in waiting of this.
What surprise me is the ease with which it is received in the village, as everyone seems to have forgotten its origins. But at the right moment they remember where his right place is. And the journey begins.
I've never seen the movie, but just finished the book, I will try to compare them.
Chapter 1 & 2 This is my second Neil Gaiman's book (other then a couple of short stories I've read from him). I've seen the movie, so I somewhat know what's happening and what's coming, and I'm not having fun noting the small differences between them.
- I'm loving the fairy-tale way that the story is being presented.
- I agree with Kristie. I thought Dunstan's heart's desire was the woman, and the baby was hers.
- Tristan's story and how apparently everyone in the town knows about it is a bit odd. Is it like one of those "town secrets we never ever ever again shall discuss"? It's weird he never heard of it.. it's also very weird he never did the math and see his sister is only 6months younger. But he is described a little bit like an air-head. Always dreaming, a little strange.
- Victoria.. oh Victoria. I like her a lot more in the book. She just seems a bit.. distant. In the movie she is a spoiled brat, petty and shallow. She uses Tristan's feelings for her.
Chapters 1&2I've only read Coraline by Neil Gaiman so this is very different! It feels very much like a fairy story at the moment. Am I right in thinking that all the people in Wall are humans and the people outside are fairies? I found it interesting that fairies and humans could procreate and therefore produce half fairy, half human. I am going to wait to watch the film until I have read the book to see how it compares.
I saw the movie years ago and remember not liking it very much, however I don't recall many of the details. I do remember thinking that Victoria was not a nice person, as Eni said. I will have to watch it again to see what I think now that I've read the book.
Chapter 1 and 2The only other book I've read from Neil Gaiman is the Graveyard Book. I really like Stardust so far. I'm wondering what 'abilities' fairies have or is it just the unique appearance that has been passed down to Tristan?
@Jessica I questioned myself about the 6 month age gap too. Does he know the truth and all? To me, it doesn't look like he has a good relationship with Daisy but we only got a glimpse.
Haha oops just noticed it's Tristran. You know those times when you look at a word for so long, you notice something about it? Had one of those moments!
Mod
Chapters 3-6I didn't realize the main characters name was Tristran with an "r" either. I totally thought it was Tristan.
I really like the light-hearted feel to this story. But there's an uncomfortable layer of horror present as well. Especially in elements like the witch queens, and the way the heirs to Stormhold kill each other off.
It was funny that the faeries annoying Tristran tell him he will soon face his "true love's scorn." And then he meets the star. It reminds me of when his father was given his "hearts desire."
And everybody is quick to dismiss Tristran's love for Victoria. I have to agree with them. He shouldn't need to prove his love, but I guess Tristran is a bit of a romantic.
And what is up with Tristran's sudden ability to navigate anywhere in fairy? I hope we find out where this power comes from.
I just assumed his ability to navigate Fairy so well came from him being half fairy-kinda like his magical power.
Jessica wrote: "I just assumed his ability to navigate Fairy so well came from him being half fairy-kinda like his magical power."I agree. That's exactly what I thought.
Jessica wrote: "It was funny that the faeries annoying Tristran tell him he will soon face his "true love's scorn." And then he meets the star. It reminds me of when his father was given his "hearts desire."Very true! They are a group of sneaky critters!
Clare wrote: "Chapters 1&2I've only read Coraline by Neil Gaiman so this is very different! It feels very much like a fairy story at the moment. Am I right in thinking that all the people in Wall are humans ..."
Yeah - it's like Sookie Stackhouse from True Blood
Mod
Jessica - I agree with your comments and I love the Lords of Stormhold!
The other parts I really liked about this section were the 'mini-stories' like the field mouse that got eaten by an owl. They are totally quirky and unneccessary to the larger story, but just great fairytale tidbits!
I also thought as the others said, that Tristran could navigate fairy because of his parentage
I watched Stardust the movie years ago and I had no idea it was based on a book. Excuse my ignorance.I am quite a Neil Gaiman newbie, having read only The Ocean at the End of the Lane, but reading Stardust I am starting to realize that I want to read absolutely everything written by him.
Chapters 1 & 2
✿ The first two chapters are very similar - a parallel between Tristran and his father. They are both dreamers, wishing for excitement and adventures. And that is probably why Tristran's father didn't even question Tristran's wish to go find a fallen star.
✿ Since it has a fairy-tale-like character, it seems very logical that a boy would go look for a fallen star for a girl that is obviously just playing with him, knowing that he won't succeed.
Chapters 3-6
✿ I love the witch! Especially her encounter with that other which she used to know - their conversation gave me goosebumps.
✿ I also love the Lords of Stormhold - they are kind of amusing. That is one nice family legacy they have there - killing off their siblings to have a bigger chance to obtain power.
Karen wrote: "The other parts I really liked about this section were the 'mini-stories' like the field mouse that got eaten ..."Yes the little asides about other stories going on was really nice. It gives you a sense that this is a complex world with lots of other things going on.
Chapter 3-6I also didn't notice his name was Tristran and now I feel like I say it in such a long strange way to make sure i don't say Tristan!
I love the Lords of Stormhold, but I'm glad I didn't grow up in a family like that! Not much for brotherly love.
I feel sorry for the star. You kind of assume that when Tristran realises the star is a living girl that he would feel it is wrong to drag her home for his true love. But I don't think he's intentionally being silly or mean I think he's just wearing his in love with Victoria rose tinted glasses!
I agree that it's because if his mother that he has the navigation skills!
Half way done only but screw it. I'm gonna watch the movie now.
I agree with everyone about the Lords of Stormhold. They are one of my favorite things about this book!I was sad/disappointed when Tristran put the chain on the star. I was really hoping that he wouldn't do it.
Mod
Chapters 7-10✿ I loved the happy ending. Not your usual fairy-tale ending about how they lived happily ever after, but a happy ending nonetheless, as Tristran found his true love, got to see the world and have adventures, and then took his rightful place as the heir of the Stormhold.
Chapters 7-10I liked the ending but didn't love it. It's kind of a dark. non-traditional fairy tale and I wanted all the bells and whistles.
I enjoyed the book overall, the story is good and I like the way the book was written but I must say I still love the film so much more.
Chapters 7-10I thought the ending was kind of sad. Tristran is still mortal and dies while Yvaine is an immortal star. Not as happy as you normally see in a fairy tale. I think I like the movie ending better. But there is value in the book's ending, it takes a chance and keeps with the slightly dark undertone of the story.
I'm not sure which I liked more Stardust or Neverwhere.
Mod
I really enjoyed the ending to the book and I was disappointed with how the movie was changed so much in that respect.
What I did like about the movie was the Stormhold brothers and the ship captain!
I'm not sure which book I prefer either. I think I would still side with Neverwhere. I'm not sure why, just something about it resonated more for me.
Chapter 3-6This part, with the journey of Tristan in the world of Faery, remember me "Alice in Wonderland". The star, for one reason or another, seem to gather around herself all the characters in a continuous research that brings their road to cross. The lords of Stormhold to devote their lives to the conquest of power, even against their own brothers, finding no peace even after death. It 's true, there are so many side stories that cross the main one, like so many fairy tales in the story.
In addition, the behavior of Tristran toward the star is selfish in the beginning, just to win Victoria seems willing to do everything. But I don't think will last.
Chapter 7-10 - The End
The encounter with the flying ship is a real gem, and also the ending that seems to caplete all the stories to perfection. The finish is a little bitter, going beyond the happy ending and showing the natural evolution of human life and the passage of time on the protagonists (that remember me "The Lord of the Rings").
I had to look on the net to understand the meaning of the reference to "Court of Unseelie", I did not know. I must say that Stardust is closer to a fable of Neverwhere, but I prefer it.
Jessica wrote: "I'm not sure which I liked more Stardust or Neverwhere."Karen wrote: "I'm not sure which book I prefer either. I think I would still side with Neverwhere. I'm not sure why, just something about it resonated more for me."
These two books were pretty close for me too, but I also liked Neverwhere better. That's my favorite Gaiman book so far. :)
Yesterday I watched the movie and although I liked it, I couldn't help but compare every event that happened in the book, noting any differences or lack of it. Overall I liked it, apart from the final entirely rebuilt. Maybe I would have enjoyed more if I hadn't read the book.
Mod
Karen wrote: "I'm with you Andrew. I did the same and really didn't like how significantly the ending was changed"Perhaps to ensure an happy ending. The novel ended with a bit of sadness.
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Stardust (other topics)Stardust: Le mystère de l'étoile - Une histoire d'amour au royame de Faerie (other topics)
Stardust: Being a Romance within the Realms of Faerie (other topics)
Stardust (other topics)
Stardust (other topics)
More...
BE PREPARED FOR SPOILERS
What is a buddy read?
About this Buddy Read
A “Relaxed Buddy Read” is similar to our usual “buddy reads” except there are less questions and break points. For example, a book may be split into three sections and those reading the book should pause at the end of the section to answer some discussion questions, make comments, or ask their own questions to other readers
Read the book and watch the movie!
This “Read and Watch Buddy Read” is set up as a relaxed BR, but we will also watch the movie and make comparisons, discussing what has been left out or changed as well as the actors and actresses. There is a long debate of what one should do first: read the books or watch the movie? We usually read first, but it isn’t essential. Also, if you would like to join in, but don’t want to watch the movie, show, or play, but only read the books, that is fine, too.
Synopsis
Hopelessly crossed in love, a boy of half-fairy parentage leaves his mundane Victorian-English village on a quest for a fallen star in the magical realm. The star proves to be an attractive woman with a hot temper, who plunges with our hero into adventures featuring witches, the lion and the unicorn, plotting elf-lords, ships that sail the sky, magical transformations, curses whose effects rebound, binding conditions with hidden loopholes and all the rest
Neil Gaiman Seasonal Challenge
This is our January 2014 choice. If you want to join us for a Neil Gaiman BR a month, you can sign up here
You do not need to be part of the challenge to join this buddy read. Everyone is welcome!