"Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world."
Overview
In "Caraval", we follow the two sisters Scarlett and Tella. Scarlett is the older sister and the story is told from her point of view. They live in fear under the strict rule of their abusive father on a small island. When the sisters suddenly have the chance to visit the mysterious show Caraval on a faraway island, they don't know that it will change their lives forever.
This book is a great overall package: The cover is stunning! Every edition I have seen has a beautiful cover and the naked hardback is really pretty as well (the dress💖). There is this diligent and detailed map of Caraval, the gorgeous chapter pages with a rose theme and chapter number decorations. And finally, throughout the book various printed letters can be found.
The Setting
The setting is definitely unique when compared to other YA books. The island were Caraval is set and the people who are living there reminded me a lot of a Disney movie or the whimsicalness of Alice in Wonderland. It is magical, but in a darker, more twisted way. The world itself is not really fully developed, we only get to know bits and pieces, but that did not affect my enjoyment.
"Welcome, welcome to Caraval! The grandest show on land or by sea. Inside you'll experience more wonders than most people see in a lifetime. You can sip magic from a cup and buy dreams in a bottle."
The Characters
The interaction between Scarlett and Tella reminded me a lot of my sister and me and I really loved it. Scarlett is the older sibling and has to take care of Tella, who is fiercer and a little reckless. Both try to safe the other from the wrath of their brutal father and Scarlett wants to marry to build a life for Tella and her on another island.
At the beginning, we get to know Julian, who seems to be involved with Tella. He is the reason why the two girls are able to visit Caraval because he smuggles them off their home island. He and Scarlett soon get closer and the developing romance is a huge part of the story.
There are a lot of rather peculiar side characters, for example the owner of the clock shop, who looks almost like a clock himself, the histographer Aiko who has pictures of the history of Caraval in her journal or Legend, the master of Caraval.
The Plot [Spoiler]
Soon after the two sisters and Julian arrive on the island were Caraval takes place, Tella goes missing. Scarlett then learns that this is part of the game and everyone has the same aim: finding Tella to win this year's prize, a wish. Scarlett is determined to find her sister and is worried about her. The minor problem I had with the plot was that these worries are oftentimes replaced by Scarlett's and Julian's romance and I would have liked more of Caraval and less romantic scenes.
I did not see the ending coming and was really surprised how dark and thought-provoking it was. After Scarlett leans that it was all a set-up by Tella to safe them both from their father, she has to handle the feelings of loosing both her love and her sister and then suddenly learning that both are alive and well. Additionally, Julian is part of the game and she cannot be sure if he really is the guy she fell in love with during the game. I really hope that these contrary feelings are further explored in the sequel and I am looking forward to see the sisters as part of the Caraval crew.
Rating
Keine Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen