About this book
(blurb from Exclusive Books)
“Orphaned, lonely, and lost in his photography work, Tom has no intention of falling in love. And yet, love finds him in the shape of beautiful Vanessa, who lives a dangerous double life in the heart of London’s King’s Cross.
Tom’s pursuit of Vanessa leads him to discover an alternate world, hidden amongst the streets and rooftops of London – and inhabited by strange and colourful beings. In this mysterious realm, two ancient factions – one of night, one of day – have waged war for centuries over a forbidden love and a long-lost prince of sun and starlight.
But when Tom finds a secret market that appears only in moonlight, where charms and spells are bought with memories, he starts to wonder whether he’s been here before…”
EAN: 9781399604758
Published by: Jonathan Ball Publishers
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Magical Realism, Urban Fantasy
The Moonlight Market – Exclusive Books Online
My Thoughts
My ThoughtsJoanne Harris’s The Moonlight Market is an intriguing read, blending whimsical, dark fairy-tale vibes with vivid descriptions of London, making it a perfect whimsical read. The atmosphere is gorgeously atmospheric, painting a vivid picture of the city’s hidden corners and magical happenings.
“Now, beauty is not a size or a shape, an outfit or a color. Real beauty is something that shines. The rest is only glamour. This girl was both dark and luminous, like a copper beech in the sun. Luminous was her brown skin, and her eyes were every shade of leaf, from guinea gold to forest-floor black. She was wearing a yellow dress. Her hair was a crown of autumn fire. And yes, she was very beautiful. But her beauty was none of these things. And although by the time she had left, Tom could barely remember her clothes, or the shape of her face, or the color of her eyes, or the exact shade of her skin, he knew he would always remember that shine.”
The story centres around Tom, a photographer who inadvertently captures a hidden world with each photo he takes. While the concept is compelling, the execution can feel a bit muddled due to a vague magic system and somewhat confusing events.
Tom, described as “thick as mince,” and other characters come across as archetypal, which can feel both charming and shallow. While I found this endearing in a fairytale context, others might struggle to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
The narrative’s pace is uneven; much of the book is “no plot, just vibes,” which can be both enchanting and frustrating. The beautiful prose and enchanting descriptions pull you in, but the story’s logic can feel fuzzy.
The resolution feels abrupt, with a quick wrap-up that leaves little time to absorb and make sense of the events. This rushed ending might not be fully satisfying for those who enjoy a more drawn-out and explained conclusion.
However, the book has its highlights. The whimsical charm, dark fairytale undertones, and unique setting make it stand out. The subplot of “London Beyond” adds complexity, although it might overcomplicate the narrative for some readers. The prose, while sometimes overly flowery, adds to the magical feel of the story.
“He was close to her now, close enough to smell her scent, which was like bluebells in the rain, and the aroma of a forest in spring, and the peppery sweetness of petrichor.”
The Moonlight Market is a mixed bag. For those who enjoy atmospheric reads and don’t mind a bit of narrative chaos, it’s a delightful escape. But if you prefer a clear, defined plot and relatable characters, it might not fully satisfy. Despite its flaws, Harris’s skillful writing and vivid imagery make it a book worth experiencing, especially for fans of whimsical, magical tales. I really wanted to love this book, and I am saddened that I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would!
“Then she spread the wings of her coat, revealing the shimmering lining. Except he saw it wasn’t a coat. It was wings– huge, brown, beautiful wings, dappled in the street light. Not a bird’s wings, but more like the wings of a moth, all silk and starlight spreading out against the smoky London sky. For a moment, she stood there, wings spread; shock-headed, wild-eyed, a thing from a dream.
Then, as Tom watched open-mouthed, she flew off, soundlessly, into the night.”
Thank you to Exclusive Books for the opportunity to read this book. This book is published locally by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
About the Author
Joanne Harris | Website of the author, Joanne Harris
Read more: What I Read: Broken Light by Joanne Harris
