TLDR/OPinion: 6/10
Hosseini's harrowing microcosmic tale of ​the wider degeneration of his native country, Afghanistan, tells the story of its oppression and corruption at the hands of other nations and terrorists groups from the unique perspective of 2 children. The book travels through history and across countries, a tale of betrayal, heartbreak, inequality and redemption.
Book Reviews and Analysis
THE OPEN PORTAL
BY MICHAEL SCOTT CLIFTON
TLDR/opinion: 6/10
*Note of thanks to the author for providing me with a copy for an honest review
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A life swap like no other; filled with dizzyingly constant twists and turns, it is certain that this fantasy keeps readers on their toes. Multidimensional plots, narratorial perspective shifts and inverted characterisation all amalgamate for a unique reading enriched further by the enigma of the genre making it impossible to pigeonhole; initially the novel seemingly follows the path of a light hearted dystopia but due to the unexpected nightmarishness of some themes and scenes I must contradict my preliminary recommendation for readership with sexual assault, murderous machinations and suicide to name a few, maturing the plot. But this novel's greatest accolade derives from its relatability with much of the appeal of the plot trajectory coming from the potential for escapism, a craving omnipresent in teenage and adult readers alike.
With reams of context and details, the novel definitely exposes itself as an introductory novel but leaves enough gaps and mysteries to provide definite intrigue for the rest of the saga. However I feel this book is best read in conjunction with the rest of the series or with the intention of continuing as it fulfils a greater storyline. Perhaps in attempting to provide enough detail from each plot and sub plot I find the novel loses some of its legibility or smoothness as it jumps from character to character. However, such a haphazard style maintains tension and drama incurring constant bated breath for discovery of each outcome despite hindering somewhat the cohesion of the novel through this stylistic approach.
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The skill of the author is indisputable with the eloquent use of descriptive and figurative language and he has successfully produced a promising start to what I am sure is a great series.
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The delightful use of beautifully whimsical and unique illustrations is much welcomed and provides a somewhat Roald Dahl essence to the novel intercepting some of the darker moments.
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Beauty
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Corruption
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Magic vs. Reality
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Trapped
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Role reversal
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Bullying
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Neglect/solitude
Themes:
FAVOURITE QUOTE:
'ill breeze portending disaster'
blurb:
Trapped between genres - horror and fairytale, the book truly shows two sides of the same coin and how beauty and magic can just as easily have the inverted potential for tragedy and how things can change in an instant.
Where for many, the perpetual anonymity and blandness of their high school selves is interminable and unalterable, Mona is granted an opportunity many can be envious of. Lured to another world by her sarcastic guardian angel, the dandyish and magniloquent Mr Finkle, Mona has the chance to start afresh as Alex leaving behind a pretty dismal life with the exception of her brother.
Introduced to a world of witchcraft, hybrid creatures, an insuperable magical barrier, Dark Queens and even more depraved accomplices, Mona must traverse the path to her magical destiny with minimal allies. She journeys to expose the corruption present even in the magical world and the plots of those who wish to impede her destiny. Paralleling her tale is Tal, another protagonist whose story battles the creatures of the Veil, the magical barrier within which his people are entrapped.
analysis/talking points:
BEAUTY:
The novel divulges many poignant insights into topics and delves deep into superficiality.
With regards to her nemesis, Lady Anne, she is completely antithetical to Mona and it is Interesting how evidently this is portrayed through appearance and how inner/metaphysical characteristic traits and facets can be echoed/reflected/translated in a person’s phenotype; evil, despite sometimes incarnated in a beautiful body has a way of exposing its harshness. The Duchess' gaze, Regret's cringeworthy touch and Lady Anne's depraved smile are all subtly and skilfully exposed regardless of how their aesthetically pleasing features are described.
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The story initially gives precedent to the importance and value of beauty in ones self-esteem or outward perception. But despite Mona's desperate wish for beauty even after her wish is granted she still doesn't feel any positivity or have a good mentality about body image which reveals the flaw to thinking appearance will solve problems - she disproves the miracle illusion surrounding beauty and how even with it, this isn't causational to confidence or happiness
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HORROR/DARKER THEMES:
Pretty graphic/visceral and brutal from the outset. The author also doesn't shy away from elaborate action scenes which is a good sign for the development of the saga as some fantasy novels can be extremely scant with certain aspects leaving no space for emotional vicissitudes or depth.
- dark themes specifically in that her retainer is a bottle of pills - for a child to have such a back up option is heartbreaking. This is also dark irony/poetry in that medicine supposedly for healing can be lethal
- the obvious sabotage done by Lady Anne and her murderous plan was truly shocking and agonising to read - a split second judgement fuelled by lust on Johnny's part made him a tool in her deadly game where you cant help but implore the author that Lady Anne receive recompense or punitive action for her uninhibited depravity (not having read the sequels)
- There is also a good conspiracy layout with the trope like evil stepmother figure
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LANGUAGE:
The author's affinity for a fluid use of metaphor is particularly noticeable and striking throughout even from the first chapter with the river allegory.
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BULLYING:
Much of the catalyst for Mona's choices appears to be her utter disenchantment with her mundane life on earth focalising upon the typically senseless bullying she undergoes as a 'social reject'
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POSSIBLE INTERPRETATIONS:
There is the loose possibility that this alternative world could a representation of heaven (much like in 'the five people you meet in heaven') where the impossible becomes possible or she is in a coma - as it is highly unlikely to me she would abandon the only family she had to journey to an entirely new world - to leave her young disabled brother to fend for himself with a neglectful family rubs me the wrong way. However, the fact that there is no possibility for return and that the jump to the magical world eclipses her car accident and glosses over her injuries hints at her death in the real world perhaps.