Series
Description
In a Victorian-era tale of magic and romance, young Tristran Thorn falls in love with the town beauty and must go on an incredible coming-of-age journey in order to capture her heart. Living in the small countryside town of Wall, one night Tristran vows to his beloved to retrieve a fallen star that they witnessed crashing down from the heavens. Now, to gain his love's hand, he must leave behind his home and embark on a journey that will define the meaning of true love. Told through breathtaking painted illustrations, this fairy tale for adults is a true masterpiece in storytelling.
Collections
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1997 (serialized)
1998 (book format)
Physical description
224 p.; 26 cm
Publication
London : Titan, 1999.
Pages
224
ISBN
1840230525 / 9781840230529
Library's review
An original fairy tale for children and adults alike. It has a charming style of narration, and illustrations on nearly every page. - Lucky
Similar in this library
User reviews
LibraryThing member kaminariman
One of Neil Gaiman's recurring themes that works so well in his hands is the art and significance of storytelling. The Sandman followed Morpheus, the embodiment of "dream," to that ever elusive place, full of baffling realms our imaginations take us to, and the threshold of inspiration for those
Beyond it's intentionally cliche (but in such a delicate way..) coming of age theme, the story takes unexpected and original turns every new chapter, tipping its hat to formulas of similar stories, but in the end striving to blaze its own path, even if the author shows a bit of pretention in the process. Just as the narrative threatened to lose this reader's interest with uncharacteristically long bits of meticulous description, the story's originality and charm allow it to recover nicely and deliver some of its delicious doses of unreality.
The illustrations are often beautiful companions to the story, incurring a sort of childish wonder at whimsical venues and characters, while sometimes delivering shocking images to emphasize moments in the story that would have scared the shit out of you as a child (well, me anyway..). This is the next step in maturity for those of us who were captivated and elevated by fantasy as young readers, listeners, observers of tales which challenge the depth of our imaginations, but do not insult our intelligence.
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who tell stories. Stardust follows a vein of thought within this realm of dreams (Faerie, to be precise), and although it reads at times like a parody of classic western fairy-tale lore, overall it proves to be a celebration, a tribute, and a whole new legend worthy of Gaiman's authorship.Beyond it's intentionally cliche (but in such a delicate way..) coming of age theme, the story takes unexpected and original turns every new chapter, tipping its hat to formulas of similar stories, but in the end striving to blaze its own path, even if the author shows a bit of pretention in the process. Just as the narrative threatened to lose this reader's interest with uncharacteristically long bits of meticulous description, the story's originality and charm allow it to recover nicely and deliver some of its delicious doses of unreality.
The illustrations are often beautiful companions to the story, incurring a sort of childish wonder at whimsical venues and characters, while sometimes delivering shocking images to emphasize moments in the story that would have scared the shit out of you as a child (well, me anyway..). This is the next step in maturity for those of us who were captivated and elevated by fantasy as young readers, listeners, observers of tales which challenge the depth of our imaginations, but do not insult our intelligence.
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LibraryThing member maggie1944
A graphic novel for adults, not looking like a comic book, it has delightful illustrations and a good story. I love Gaiman's ability to tell a "fairy tale" with freshness and intelligence and humor. I liked this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes a little fantasy.
LibraryThing member thioviolight
Stardust is such a lovely story by Master Neil, with equally lovely illustrations by Charles Vess! Reading it surrounded me with magic and filled me with happiness. A wonder-filled adventure where everything ties up in the end and finishes quite neatly and smoothly. Magical, and clever too!
LibraryThing member louisu
Stardust
It was one of those todays where reading anything that takes thinking and serious consideration of its future implications in my life was not to be desired. I read in spurts like watching TV. Some Tuesdays I have this inkling to be all smart about myself and watch PBS's Nova and relish the
The book deals with the adventures of a young lad from a village called Wall ,which in its boundaries can be found a doorway into the world of faerie. Though it seems there may be other doorways this doorway is the place of a great market every nine years in which the worlds of faerie and ours combine. The events in this story take place within the time period of two markets. Young Tristran Thorn makes a promise to Victoria ,a women of very obvious beauty, that he will in fact give her all that he can imagine if only she will give him a kiss. At this moment a star falls and she tells him that in order for him to get whatever he desires from her he must retreive the star. Unbeknowest to him is the fact that he is in fact descended from a bits of the world of Faerie. He crosses through the wall in search of the aformentioned star only to find her to be very short tempered and himself being the sudject of much of this torment. The use of the word fucker is wordered so small the one time it is used and in such a way it carries so much more wieght. Cussing in its proper form is an art form, its one use is quite amusing.
Some great lines occur in the reading of this book. Tristran begins to explains the beauty of Victoria he is stopped. The man stops him in his tracks and responds with: "She has the usual stuff, eyes, ears, nose, lips, and all that."Something along those lines. Hilarious. It is littered with little tid bits of hilarity. Eventually as in most faerie tales there is a happy ending it is just that as you read this book the story flows so well, reading it pure fantasy candy. The book is littered with artwork depicting the various scenes from the book from master fantasy artist Charles Vess. At times the magic of faeries seems to jump off the page. I have to say that the artwork and beauty of recent hit Labyrinth may have been influenced by the simple grace of Charles Vess artwork over the years. Star herself is many times the most well rounded short tempered faerie creature in a while. in the coming year the movie will be released with all kinds of big stars attached.
If you find the time and need some more enjoyable than watching TV , but don't want to invest yourself to heavily in a book, this is the book lighthearted and fun with plenty of illustrations. Great for kids.
I want to plant my flag now i have known about this book for years. I am huge fan of the writer and his stories. There now for all you people becoming fans after this movies release, Bleeeh. Read the book before the movie and don't act like you know it all afterwards. You know you are!!!!!!! With all that said and done I have to move on to other books in the labyrinth that is my home. Some of them waiting to be read so that they may have small impacts on the further education in my life. Others mad that it has been four years since they were purchased and yet sit quietly on my shelves unread feeling unwanted. One or two knowing their own power wait patiently knowing that some books have a time a place to be read in a persons life, they sit there waiting for me to get to that point in my life or just catch up to them.
It was one of those todays where reading anything that takes thinking and serious consideration of its future implications in my life was not to be desired. I read in spurts like watching TV. Some Tuesdays I have this inkling to be all smart about myself and watch PBS's Nova and relish the
Show More
fountain of information that it can feed my brain in an hour. Or an other nights I find myself settling on to the couch to watch another episode of House, which my med school friends tell me stretches the imagination of medicine at times. Live is full of checks and balances. Today was abotu finding a relishing little book that I have read mayhaps a dozen times. This book is an interesting blend of both comic book, novel, and fairy tale rolled into one.The book deals with the adventures of a young lad from a village called Wall ,which in its boundaries can be found a doorway into the world of faerie. Though it seems there may be other doorways this doorway is the place of a great market every nine years in which the worlds of faerie and ours combine. The events in this story take place within the time period of two markets. Young Tristran Thorn makes a promise to Victoria ,a women of very obvious beauty, that he will in fact give her all that he can imagine if only she will give him a kiss. At this moment a star falls and she tells him that in order for him to get whatever he desires from her he must retreive the star. Unbeknowest to him is the fact that he is in fact descended from a bits of the world of Faerie. He crosses through the wall in search of the aformentioned star only to find her to be very short tempered and himself being the sudject of much of this torment. The use of the word fucker is wordered so small the one time it is used and in such a way it carries so much more wieght. Cussing in its proper form is an art form, its one use is quite amusing.
Some great lines occur in the reading of this book. Tristran begins to explains the beauty of Victoria he is stopped. The man stops him in his tracks and responds with: "She has the usual stuff, eyes, ears, nose, lips, and all that."Something along those lines. Hilarious. It is littered with little tid bits of hilarity. Eventually as in most faerie tales there is a happy ending it is just that as you read this book the story flows so well, reading it pure fantasy candy. The book is littered with artwork depicting the various scenes from the book from master fantasy artist Charles Vess. At times the magic of faeries seems to jump off the page. I have to say that the artwork and beauty of recent hit Labyrinth may have been influenced by the simple grace of Charles Vess artwork over the years. Star herself is many times the most well rounded short tempered faerie creature in a while. in the coming year the movie will be released with all kinds of big stars attached.
If you find the time and need some more enjoyable than watching TV , but don't want to invest yourself to heavily in a book, this is the book lighthearted and fun with plenty of illustrations. Great for kids.
I want to plant my flag now i have known about this book for years. I am huge fan of the writer and his stories. There now for all you people becoming fans after this movies release, Bleeeh. Read the book before the movie and don't act like you know it all afterwards. You know you are!!!!!!! With all that said and done I have to move on to other books in the labyrinth that is my home. Some of them waiting to be read so that they may have small impacts on the further education in my life. Others mad that it has been four years since they were purchased and yet sit quietly on my shelves unread feeling unwanted. One or two knowing their own power wait patiently knowing that some books have a time a place to be read in a persons life, they sit there waiting for me to get to that point in my life or just catch up to them.
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LibraryThing member lesvrolyk
I originally reread this book to compare it to the movie that came out in 2007. I liked the movie, but I still think the book is better. The book always has to be better, doesn't it? In any case, I found this lovely illustrated version and very much enjoyed rereading it in this form. Charles Vess
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does a fabulous job of illustrating Neil Gaiman's world. I have to admit, I inspect covers very closely and am always impressed when an artist captures the book correctly. Most pages of this book have at least one, if not several, illustrations, and there were only a few times that I thought there might be a small error in the drawings. As in, Tristan was said to be holding something and in the picture he's not. Very minor things really. It's a rare chance to read an illustrated version of a book so well written, I really can't complain. Thus, I recommend this book and, further, recommend reading the illustrated version. Show Less
LibraryThing member rwbartle
Book is better than the movie. But the movie is good in it's own right.
LibraryThing member extrajoker
first line: "There was once a young man who wished to gain his Heart's Desire."
Stardust is a much simpler tale than many of Gaiman's other works, but it is meant to be. It is formulaic in the way of most fairy tales, magical and diverting.
I recommend the version illustrated with Charles Vess's
Stardust is a much simpler tale than many of Gaiman's other works, but it is meant to be. It is formulaic in the way of most fairy tales, magical and diverting.
I recommend the version illustrated with Charles Vess's
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beautiful art. Show Less
LibraryThing member wordygirl39
One of my favorites, now. I saw the movie and thought it was wonderfully fun (very like the Princess Bride in tone and scope) and whimsical, so I thought I'd buy the book and read it. Though the movie and book diverge on several major plot points, I think the movie certainly captured the spirit of
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the Gaiman/Vess novel. Books are always better to readers, and Stardust is no exception to that rule. I spent a few, lovely hours curled up reading about Tristran and Yvaine, laughing, loving Gaiman's careful prose (so unusual in the Fantasy genre) and philosophical wisdom. Here is a man who has, himself, read much and suffered much. His writing gets beyond plot and seeks to illuminate what makes us human: desire for love, sex, adventure, fear of aging, fear of death, and loss. I'm on my way to the bookstore to stock up on Gaiman's works--I've clearly been avoiding him for too long. Show Less
LibraryThing member ovistine
Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess's "Stardust" is a book I picked up in college, loved immensely, and for some reason hadn't read since. I had been meaning to re-read it before seeing the movie, but since I rarely go to movies, I didn't really get around to it... until I was asked, "Hey, wanna go see
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'Stardust' tomorrow?" So then I got right on it again. It's the tale of a father (briefly) and his son (less briefly), and several promises made and kept, some fortuitously, some not. It's also a story of faerie and magic and falling, and well worth reading. I really hope they don't muck up the movie! Show Less
LibraryThing member RogueBelle
Absolutely a gorgeous fairy tale for adults. Stardust is a captivating and thriller read, busting across all sorts of genres to weave a fabulous tale. Gaiman really gets at the heart of Faerie -- the man knows whereof he speaks. ;) Highly recommended.
LibraryThing member bethlovesbooks
Beautiful! Only Charles Vess could do justice to this magical tale. This edition is a real treasure!
LibraryThing member jenreidreads
Fantastic! I loved this book. The plot was so tightly woven, the story was grand and simple at the same time, the pictures are beautiful...just great. Better than the movie, too.
LibraryThing member JDHomrighausen
[Stardust], by [[Neil Gaiman]]
Finished 6/30/12
Stardust, a "romance within the realms of faerie," tells the story of a half-human, half-faerie hero who ventures into the forest to find a fallen star. His hope: to impress his true love with what he has brought back.
By the cover it would seem that
Rating: 4/5
Finished 6/30/12
Stardust, a "romance within the realms of faerie," tells the story of a half-human, half-faerie hero who ventures into the forest to find a fallen star. His hope: to impress his true love with what he has brought back.
By the cover it would seem that
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this is another one of Gaiman's famed graphic novels. But instead it's an illustrated novella, spinning a story of three peoples' fate as they try to find the blonde-haired maiden from the night sky. This feels much like Gaiman's other novels, though more palatable for children (except for one sex scene) and more realistic characters then [Anansi Boys]. But the vibrant illustrations make the story.Rating: 4/5
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LibraryThing member PMaranci
I've read a lot of [author:Neil Gaiman]'s stuff, so when my wife and I were on a rare outing to see a movie, Stardust was a natural compromise.
It wasn't bad. It seemed, somehow, a little light and flat; amusing and well-done, but not something we would pick up on DVD.
You're probably thinking that
I'm a voracious reader. Picking up Stardust at the library was a no-brainer. I had to order it via inter-library loan, and when it came in I was disappointed to see that it was the non-illustrated version. It turned out to be slightly less interesting than the movie; one of those semi-rare examples where a movie actually improved on the book.
Later, I saw the graphic novel version was available at my library. Perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised, but I found it better than the text-only version, and roughly on par with the movie itself. There are differences between the two, of course, but it seems clear that Gaiman's strength as a writer really requires a visual aspect as well; he needs to be paired with a good artist to do his best work.
Not that Stardust is his best work, of course. For that you'll need to read Sandman or The Books of Magic. But it's an interesting, entertaining tale that makes use of what was once a fairly original idea: the juxtaposition of the "real" world and the rather specifically English world of Faerie. That sort of tale is in danger of becoming a bit stale, I fear, but Gaiman was...not a pioneer of that form (I think Lord Dunsany was probably the first), but probably the preeminent modern popularizer of it.
The adventures of Tristan in Faerie are a good way to pass an hour or two, both as a graphic novel and as a movie. You're not likely to be forever changed by the experience, but what can you expect? Not every book can be a classic, even from a good author like Gaiman.
I'd give this a strong three stars. If it had been just a little better, I'd have given it a four. As it is, I enjoyed it...but not enough to go out and buy a copy. I might take it out again from the library in a year or two, if I can't find anything new that interests me more.
It wasn't bad. It seemed, somehow, a little light and flat; amusing and well-done, but not something we would pick up on DVD.
You're probably thinking that
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I've forgotten that this is a book review site, and not a movie site. Fear not! I'm getting to it.I'm a voracious reader. Picking up Stardust at the library was a no-brainer. I had to order it via inter-library loan, and when it came in I was disappointed to see that it was the non-illustrated version. It turned out to be slightly less interesting than the movie; one of those semi-rare examples where a movie actually improved on the book.
Later, I saw the graphic novel version was available at my library. Perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised, but I found it better than the text-only version, and roughly on par with the movie itself. There are differences between the two, of course, but it seems clear that Gaiman's strength as a writer really requires a visual aspect as well; he needs to be paired with a good artist to do his best work.
Not that Stardust is his best work, of course. For that you'll need to read Sandman or The Books of Magic. But it's an interesting, entertaining tale that makes use of what was once a fairly original idea: the juxtaposition of the "real" world and the rather specifically English world of Faerie. That sort of tale is in danger of becoming a bit stale, I fear, but Gaiman was...not a pioneer of that form (I think Lord Dunsany was probably the first), but probably the preeminent modern popularizer of it.
The adventures of Tristan in Faerie are a good way to pass an hour or two, both as a graphic novel and as a movie. You're not likely to be forever changed by the experience, but what can you expect? Not every book can be a classic, even from a good author like Gaiman.
I'd give this a strong three stars. If it had been just a little better, I'd have given it a four. As it is, I enjoyed it...but not enough to go out and buy a copy. I might take it out again from the library in a year or two, if I can't find anything new that interests me more.
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LibraryThing member Ananda
A lovely story with beautiful illustrations. I suppose I looked in every corner for Dream, but he wasn't there, and that's all right. I was privileged to meet the author twice after reading this, and he is very genuine. That's a gift to know, just as his story is a gift. What a storyteller Neil
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Gaiman is. Show Less
LibraryThing member StefanieGeeks
Dark, Mysterious, Enchanting. The illustrations are a perfect complement to this adult faerie tale.
LibraryThing member theWallflower
I picked this up in the graphic novel section of my library, not knowing it's actually the novel's full text, saturated with illustrations, in the shape and size of a graphic novel. At first I wasn't going to read it -- I'd already seen the movie and it's one of Gaiman's very first forays into
Like "The Last Unicorn", this might be a case of "first version" syndrome. I saw the movie first, and it follows so closely, I feel like that's my preferred version. The movie has more -- Robert DeNiro is a gay sky pirate, crying Claire Danes, and there's an awesome climax battle.
In the book, it feels like the plotlines aren't woven together, but in the movie, they are. Plus the added bonus of the visuals. Maybe that's why they turned it into a graphic novel.
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text, which are always stumbling. But then I thought, well, it's Neil Gaiman, so what the heck.Like "The Last Unicorn", this might be a case of "first version" syndrome. I saw the movie first, and it follows so closely, I feel like that's my preferred version. The movie has more -- Robert DeNiro is a gay sky pirate, crying Claire Danes, and there's an awesome climax battle.
In the book, it feels like the plotlines aren't woven together, but in the movie, they are. Plus the added bonus of the visuals. Maybe that's why they turned it into a graphic novel.
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LibraryThing member liblb
To win the affection of Victoria Forrester, Trystran Thorne crosses the wall that blocks Wall from Faerie, in search of a fallen star. He is surprised to find that the star is a girl, and must decide what to do after a long and dangerous journey back to Wall.
AR level: UG 6.2
Lexile: 970
AR level: UG 6.2
Lexile: 970
LibraryThing member engpunk77
I was rather coerced into reading this by a professor who seemed to be good friends of the author. It was a class on "Science Fiction", and this 4-book graphic novel was required reading. The story was entertaining enough, but we all complained about it's illustration issues and lack of literary
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merit (especially as science fiction, as it is most certainly fantasy!) When it comes down to it, though, I think we just resented the following: having to read it when it wasn't sci-fi, having to endure the awful illustrations were inconsistent and annoying, and having to listen to our drunk professor swear and mispronounce all of the names when he was trying to promote the book. He kept pronouncing Fairie so that it rhymes with diarrhea. Ugh! I don't recommend reading this, but the movie was great! Show Less
LibraryThing member dairylea
Disappointed. This was my first Gaiman novel. I have not seen the film based on this book and only decided to read 'Stardust' based on Gaiman's reputation and the many positive reviews received. Alas, this story did nothing for me. In my opinion it was simplistic, cliched and the characters
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two-dimensional. Supposedly an 'adult' fairy tale but I failed to find anything challenging or thought provoking (unlike, say, Philip Pullman's novels for children). Throwing in some sex and violence to a predictable tale that otherwise recycles standard motifs does not, in my view, make for a satisfying read. I was very glad to reach the end - mercifully it is a short read. Show Less
LibraryThing member magickislife
This was an excellent book, just beautiful. I find that the more of Gaiman's work I read the more I fall in with his writing.
Tristan is a fantastic character and his journey is quite interesting to me. I enjoyed it a great deal.
Tristan is a fantastic character and his journey is quite interesting to me. I enjoyed it a great deal.
LibraryThing member greeniezona
I don't reread books very often. But I read this so long ago, and since then Stardust has become one of my favorite movies that I've watched over and over, which leads to conversations with people about differences between the book and the movie, which would make me feel anxious about how little of
First of all, I am ever grateful that I jumped on this particular bandwagon early enough to have the illustrated Vess version of this book, because it is so lovely.
Second, this is one of those occasions where the book and the movie are fairly different, but both are amazing in their own formats. It helps, I think, that the book is short, so there was space for the movie to expand many of the characters and try new things without undoing anything the book itself had done. But now that I've seen the movie so many times, it's difficult for me to empty my head of it and judge this book on its own.
Happy to have reread it, though. It's such a charming story, in both formats.
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the book I still remember, so... reread. First of all, I am ever grateful that I jumped on this particular bandwagon early enough to have the illustrated Vess version of this book, because it is so lovely.
Second, this is one of those occasions where the book and the movie are fairly different, but both are amazing in their own formats. It helps, I think, that the book is short, so there was space for the movie to expand many of the characters and try new things without undoing anything the book itself had done. But now that I've seen the movie so many times, it's difficult for me to empty my head of it and judge this book on its own.
Happy to have reread it, though. It's such a charming story, in both formats.
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LibraryThing member readingover50
This is a very sweet fairy tale. The land of Faerie seems like a magical place, but with some similarities to our world. What took this book from ordinary to magical was the art work of Charles Vess. His drawing really made the story come alive. This was a beautiful book.
LibraryThing member PhoenixTerran
There have been several incarnations of Stardust. It was first published as a four volume comic mini-series which was then collected into a single volume. It was later published without illustrations as is conventional for most novels. And, of course, now there is the movie.
Between the world of
The story is simple enough and really is a fairy tale for grown-ups; whimsical and charming, but not too terribly suprising plot-wise. The writing is not very descriptive and focuses more on the story than any sort of details. Gaiman, as usual, doesn't avoid the nastiness that can be found at the heart of most traditional fairy tales; everything is not butterflies and flowers. I think that the illustrations, although not consistant in style, really do add quite a bit to the story. Those who read the text-only version are missing out.
Experiments in Reading
Between the world of
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Faerie and the mundane England stands a wall. Its only gate is guarded by the men of the nearby village which takes its name from that wall. None are allowed to pass, except for once every nine years when an enchanted market comes to the meadow just beyond. Usually, this is the only time mortals and the magical folk mingle together. But, when Tristran Thorn and Wall's most beautiful young woman together witness a falling star, he makes a brash oath to find and bring back the star in order to earn her love. Thus begins his life-changing adventures in the land of Faerie. The story is simple enough and really is a fairy tale for grown-ups; whimsical and charming, but not too terribly suprising plot-wise. The writing is not very descriptive and focuses more on the story than any sort of details. Gaiman, as usual, doesn't avoid the nastiness that can be found at the heart of most traditional fairy tales; everything is not butterflies and flowers. I think that the illustrations, although not consistant in style, really do add quite a bit to the story. Those who read the text-only version are missing out.
Experiments in Reading
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