Stephanie Garber’s Caraval is an epic fantastical fiction, filled with a drawn-out romance and a sisterly love that is stronger than all. The book expresses the inspiring theme of the strong bond between sisters and the power in leaps of faith. As the main character spoils her adventures with the fear of the unknown, she learns from her hesitance and lack of faith, becoming a wilder and freer woman, opening her heart to love in the process. But before, her story was keeping her head down and eyes straight, that is until one night, and it all started with a long-awaited letter. The legend of Caraval was the subject of many of the children like Scarlett and Donatella Dragna. The two sisters were enchanted by the fantastical carnival that brought people from around the world to step into a dream and play the game. Learning early the weight of empty promises, the two sisters watched every year as the Caraval gamemaster ignored their letters begging for an invitation. At first, their annual letter was a faraway goal, but as the girls’ age and the struggle for an escape from their abusive father, Caraval is their only way out. A week before the elder sister, Scarlett’s arranged marriage, Legend, the Caraval gamemaster, answers their last letter. Enclosed are three tickets, meant for the two sisters and Scarlett’s fiancee. But, with a dark stranger their only passage out, Scarlett gives the third ticket to Julian, who promises them passage and further knowledge on the games. The book’s vivid description helps develop the dream-like setting of Caraval and the fantastical feeling it gives the reader helps engage and entertain. I believe a better path could have been taken regarding the author’s plot choices and further character focus would have benefitted her. I disagree with some of her straying from the plot and the transition to the end of the book. Her story, like most fiction, contains some holes and overall empty questions by the reader. The book leaves out some matters concerning the other characters and the reasons behind their past actions. Like my previous book review, although her story was long, she delicately formed her theme and characters while Garber seems to rush the plot, resulting in a hurried plot twist. Since the book is fantastical, it does not touch on any larger issues but the inclusion of sisterly love was very touching. Although the idea and end of the book are entertaining and exciting, the plot could have been executed in a more memorable way and I honestly do not recommend readers to read this since I find the waste of a great book idea is heart-breaking.
Torii R.
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