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Lumatere Chronicles #2.5
Ferragost
A short story featured in Review of Australian Fiction and later put on Marchetta's website.
Lady Celie of the Lumateran Flatlands is visiting the Belegonian spring castle on the isle of Ferragost. Cut off from the rest of Belegonia by poor weather, she is confined to the island with four others, including the mysterious castellan of the castle. When the body of one of the guests is discovered on the rocks outside the east tower, Celie is not only considered a suspect, but finds herself embroiled in events that are entwined with her own kingdom's cursed history, as well as the future of the entire land of Skuldenore.
Lady Celie of the Lumateran Flatlands is visiting the Belegonian spring castle on the isle of Ferragost. Cut off from the rest of Belegonia by poor weather, she is confined to the island with four others, including the mysterious castellan of the castle. When the body of one of the guests is discovered on the rocks outside the east tower, Celie is not only considered a suspect, but finds herself embroiled in events that are entwined with her own kingdom's cursed history, as well as the future of the entire land of Skuldenore.
60 pages, ebook
First published August 7, 2012
About the author
Melina Marchetta
35 books7,539 followersMelina Marchetta was born in Sydney Australia. Her first novel, Looking For Alibrandi was awarded the Children's Book Council of Australia award in 1993 and her second novel, Saving Francesca won the same award in 2004. Looking For Alibrandi was made into a major film in 2000 and won the Australian Film Institute Award for best Film and best adapted screen play, also written by the author. On the Jellicoe Road was released in 2006 and won the US Printz Medal in 2009 for excellence in YA literature. This was followed up by Finnikin of the Rock in 2008 which won the Aurealis Award for YA fantasy, The Piper's Son in 2010 which was shortlisted for the Qld Premier's Lit Award, NSW Premier's Lit Award, Prime Minister's Literary Awards, CBC awards and longlisted for the Miles Franklin Award. Her follow up to Finnikin, Froi of the Exiles and Quintana of Charyn were released in 2012 and 2013. Her latest novel Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil is an adult crime novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
July 9, 2017
lol look at me trying to cope after finishing Quintana of Charyn by reading anything else (related to this world) i can get my hands on
. . . its not working tho . . .
it's actually made things worse.
NOW I NEED A WHOLE FRICKEN BOOK ON CELIE AND HER ADVENTURES AS A SPY AND THIS BROODING, IDIOT BANYON
BC THEYRE FRICKEN ADORABLE
. . . its not working tho . . .
it's actually made things worse.
NOW I NEED A WHOLE FRICKEN BOOK ON CELIE AND HER ADVENTURES AS A SPY AND THIS BROODING, IDIOT BANYON
BC THEYRE FRICKEN ADORABLE
August 8, 2012
My affection for Eagar's writing seems to be decreasing with each work of hers I read, for some reason. There is something very unpolished and rough about the writing style of this story, whereas the plot itself is quite good.
Merged review:
Well, now I need a WHOLE book about Celie.
Great story, mysterious, atmospheric and romantic too.
Merged review:
Well, now I need a WHOLE book about Celie.
Great story, mysterious, atmospheric and romantic too.
August 25, 2012
Another most excellent entry in the Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta. At this point, I don't think there's any kind of writing she can't do, because this short story slash murder mystery is almost as good as any one of her longer books. Definitely a must read for any fan of Finnikin of the Rock.
Hmmm, what can I say, Marchetta just has a way with words. It's incredible how something only six chapters in length can set up multiple complex, interesting characters, a haunting setting, and an intriguing plot all at the same time, and still wrap it all up with a few powerful sentences. From the moment Lady Celie of the Flatlands arrives at Ferragost Castle and is thrust straight into the murder of a Belegonian Lord, the story builds up layer by layer, and I don't mean just potential killers and motives. Whether it's a discussion of Belegonian politics, with Celie conveniently as the outsider, following the various characters as the investigation unfolds, particularly Celie and Banyon playing off each other with all their secrets, or even the reasons for the murder or Celie's presence in Belegonia, Marchetta uses just the right balance of details and mystery to create one macabre yet appealing story.
Despite the number of words spent on her, I'm also impressed by how compelling Celie is as a character. Actually, I like that there aren't paragraph long descriptions of her as some authors are wont to do, the subtler way her character's developed by her actions and the details revealed about her as the story progresses really offered a much deeper insight into her character than any description could've provided. Although I must say I disagree with the Editorial, it would be best not to read this short story independent of Finnikin of the Rock. Some parts of the story, like Celie's unique experiences as a Lumateran, loses that extra punch without a clearer understanding of the background events beyond the few recap sentences here.
My only criticism is how awfully short the first two chapters felt, I really wished for a bit more substance there. But, I'm not sure what else can be added either, unfortunately. Otherwise, Ferragost really is an excellent short story, Marchetta's writing speaks volumes even when the story isn't very long. 4.5 stars.
Hmmm, what can I say, Marchetta just has a way with words. It's incredible how something only six chapters in length can set up multiple complex, interesting characters, a haunting setting, and an intriguing plot all at the same time, and still wrap it all up with a few powerful sentences. From the moment Lady Celie of the Flatlands arrives at Ferragost Castle and is thrust straight into the murder of a Belegonian Lord, the story builds up layer by layer, and I don't mean just potential killers and motives. Whether it's a discussion of Belegonian politics, with Celie conveniently as the outsider, following the various characters as the investigation unfolds, particularly Celie and Banyon playing off each other with all their secrets, or even the reasons for the murder or Celie's presence in Belegonia, Marchetta uses just the right balance of details and mystery to create one macabre yet appealing story.
Despite the number of words spent on her, I'm also impressed by how compelling Celie is as a character. Actually, I like that there aren't paragraph long descriptions of her as some authors are wont to do, the subtler way her character's developed by her actions and the details revealed about her as the story progresses really offered a much deeper insight into her character than any description could've provided. Although I must say I disagree with the Editorial, it would be best not to read this short story independent of Finnikin of the Rock. Some parts of the story, like Celie's unique experiences as a Lumateran, loses that extra punch without a clearer understanding of the background events beyond the few recap sentences here.
My only criticism is how awfully short the first two chapters felt, I really wished for a bit more substance there. But, I'm not sure what else can be added either, unfortunately. Otherwise, Ferragost really is an excellent short story, Marchetta's writing speaks volumes even when the story isn't very long. 4.5 stars.
February 11, 2013
We Melina Marchetta fans, we need to start a petition, because I need a WHOLE book on Celie, and especially on her romance with Banyon. Seriously, one little short story just isn't enough! First of all, I have to admit that I didn't have very high hopes for Ferragost, simply because Marchetta's strength lies in her slow build-up and development of ideas, of extending them along the plot lines of her novels and creating something beautiful from them; something breathtaking. I wasn't sure if she could repeat that with a short story, but, as usual, Marchetta always exceeds my expectations.
Ferragost is a short murder mystery, taking place with Lady Celie spying for Lumatere in Belegonia. Needless to say, I loved it. Marchetta thrives off of intelligent conversation and this is so palpably felt in this novella more than ever. Celia, a heroine we rarely see or know much of, is given a distinct voice, purpose, and being, just as strong and sharp as that of Isaboe, Phaedra, or Quintana. Not only did she surprise me by being a protagonist I instantly liked, but she's witty and an extremely clever spy as well. Plus, admit it, who doesn't want a Melina Marchetta novel about a female spy? ;)
If all that weren't enough to recommend this, the mystery unfolds fantastically and the ultimate themes are all typically Marchetta, even with this. Furthermore, our romantic interest, Castellan Banyon is an enigmatic protector and obviously a sworn opposite of Celie as she is a spy. Yet, the sexual tension between them is electric and more than anything else, this left me wanting more of them and more of Celie. You see, despite Celie's obvious admiration for Isaboe and her yearning to be more like her, she's distinctly unique, possessing the best qualities Isaboe has, but only without the sharp edge that sometimes makes me dislike her. Celie is far more soft and also has less burdens on her mind, making her a more light-hearted character and someone I found compelling, despite the few pages through which I knew her.
Ferragost is, I'm sad to say, my last Marchetta novel...until she writes another one, at least. I put it off because I couldn't bear to say good-bye to her stories, but this has given me hope that she will revisit Lumatere someday. If not, I'll have to travel to Australia and hunt her down myself because I need a Celie love story just like I so desperately need a Jimmy Hailler book.
It goes without saying that Ferragost is a must-read, whether you're a fan of Melina Marchetta or not (how can anyone NOT be a fan of Melina Marchetta??) you won't regret reading this one.
You can read this review and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.
Ferragost is a short murder mystery, taking place with Lady Celie spying for Lumatere in Belegonia. Needless to say, I loved it. Marchetta thrives off of intelligent conversation and this is so palpably felt in this novella more than ever. Celia, a heroine we rarely see or know much of, is given a distinct voice, purpose, and being, just as strong and sharp as that of Isaboe, Phaedra, or Quintana. Not only did she surprise me by being a protagonist I instantly liked, but she's witty and an extremely clever spy as well. Plus, admit it, who doesn't want a Melina Marchetta novel about a female spy? ;)
If all that weren't enough to recommend this, the mystery unfolds fantastically and the ultimate themes are all typically Marchetta, even with this. Furthermore, our romantic interest, Castellan Banyon is an enigmatic protector and obviously a sworn opposite of Celie as she is a spy. Yet, the sexual tension between them is electric and more than anything else, this left me wanting more of them and more of Celie. You see, despite Celie's obvious admiration for Isaboe and her yearning to be more like her, she's distinctly unique, possessing the best qualities Isaboe has, but only without the sharp edge that sometimes makes me dislike her. Celie is far more soft and also has less burdens on her mind, making her a more light-hearted character and someone I found compelling, despite the few pages through which I knew her.
Ferragost is, I'm sad to say, my last Marchetta novel...until she writes another one, at least. I put it off because I couldn't bear to say good-bye to her stories, but this has given me hope that she will revisit Lumatere someday. If not, I'll have to travel to Australia and hunt her down myself because I need a Celie love story just like I so desperately need a Jimmy Hailler book.
It goes without saying that Ferragost is a must-read, whether you're a fan of Melina Marchetta or not (how can anyone NOT be a fan of Melina Marchetta??) you won't regret reading this one.
You can read this review and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.
April 10, 2020
that's it????????????????
reread #1: finished 26/12/15
damnit where's that celie book i need it
reread #2: finished 10/4/20
me & my celie/banyon scraps,
reread #1: finished 26/12/15
damnit where's that celie book i need it
reread #2: finished 10/4/20
me & my celie/banyon scraps,
August 7, 2012
This is the fourth issue of Volume Three of the Review of Australian Fiction. It contains a new story by Melina Marchetta, "Ferragost", a 15,000 word Lady Celie adventure, and a story Kirsty Eagar, "Molasses".
‘Review of Australian Fiction’ has been a wonderful short story enterprise that pairs an established writer with an ‘emerging writer’ every issue. The latest offering, Volume 3 Issue 4, has Melina Marchetta headlining along with the emerging writer she hand-picked to share her issue, Kirsty Eagar. As the Editorial for the issue mentions, when Ms Marchetta was first approached to contribute to the Review, Eagar was an up-and-coming author. But that has all changed since the 2009 release of her debut novel ‘Raw Blue’, which went on to win the Victorian Premier's Literary Award and is one of the few Aussie YA books to make the prestigious NPR ‘Best-Ever Teen Novels?’ poll (quite a feat, considering ‘Raw Blue’ has never been released in the US!). And so this particular issue of the ‘Review of Australian Fiction’ is a veritable Aussie YA boon – pairing two of our most beloved and respected young adult authors and offering up two delicious slices of short story from both.
Melina Marchetta’s ‘Ferragost’ is short story 2.5 in her ‘Lumatere Chronicles’ epic YA fantasy series. The short story takes place in the same world as ‘Lumatere Chronicles’, but is a stand-alone story with Lady Celie of the Lumateran Flatlands – the daughter of Lord August and Lady Abian, and best friend to the Queen of Lumatere.
‘Ferragost’ opens with the discovery of Borealis Luby’s dead body. He is found amid jagged rocks, having seemingly flung himself from the high window of his room in Ferragost Castle. But Lady Celie of the Lumateran Flatlands is not convinced that his death is as simple as suicide, not with his head bashed in and Ferragost maids whispering of devious deeds being carried out in the name of the Queen . . . .
Celie turns to Castellan of Ferragost Castle, Mr Banyon, for help in her suspicions. But Banyon has his own investigation underway, one that places a great deal of suspicion (correctly) on Lady Celie being a spy sent by her Queen Isaboe. Meanwhile, Celie also seeks help in her private investigations from Ferragost native, Argus Laraunt who is a walking mystery unto himself;
‘Do you believe in curses and damnation, lady Celie?’ Argus Laraunt asked, and she saw fear in his eyes.
Celie shuddered. ‘Oh Mr Laraunt, I’m a Lumateran. My people were torn apart for ten years because of curses and damnation. I’m not the one to ask such a question of.’
‘Ferragost’ is a wonderful, twisting mystery from Melina Marchetta. This short story has a feel of Umberto Eco to it; with a pervading sense of menace stalking Celie in the darkened halls of Ferragost Castle, while whispers of death hint at a delicious combination of politics and horror. The events in ‘Ferragost’ are happening at the same time as the events in ‘Quintana’, so we’ll understand the larger role Celie plays when ‘Quintana of Charyn’ is released next month. I can’t wait to read more of Celie, for she proves herself to be quite a conundrum and interesting character – with a sickly, timid appearance belying steely resolve, quick thinking and even more admirable traits readers can see are, partly, influences of the wonderful Queen Isaboe.
I also loved reading about Celie and ‘Keeper of Ferragost’, Mr Banyon. By now followers of her work know that Ms Marchetta favours the unexpected in her characters’ romances, and that’s especially true of Celie and Banyon. I feel like we have only just scratched the surface of them in ‘Ferragost’, and I can’t wait to read more in the highly-anticipated ‘Quintana of Charyn’.
Kirsty Eagar’s ‘Molasses’ is set just outside of Rockhampton, Queensland and concentrates on four friends whose lives, already rocked by one seeming miracle, are set to change yet again . . .
The story focuses on Amelia Coady, who is bearing witness to the evolving relationship between her brother, Chris, and her best friend Megan. Feeling like a bystander in their changing dynamic, Amelia reminisces about the seismic shifts that started happening long before Chris started casting long looks at Megan from the back of the school bus . . .
Amelia remembers a few years back, when Chris was bed-ridden with Guillain–Barré syndrome, ascending paralysis in his legs leaving him dependent on their needlessly cruel mother, Jessie. She and Chris started devising plans and promises to one day escape their home, where Jessie and their step-father Ray are in a constant battle of wills over a safe cemented into the shed floor . . . but their escape depends on Chris getting better, by some miracle. But it’s not until Chris’s best friend, Trevor, and his cousin, Megan, enter into their orbits that real change begins.
‘Molasses’ is a wonderful ode to small country towns, and the suffocating lives being lived within them. Eagar’s pitch-perfect descriptions had echoes of Honey Brown for me, for her precise and heartbreakingly lovely setting;
Town. It looked better in the dark, or when viewed from a distance. From Jarmoya at night, it was a glow in the belly of the southern sky. A calling. Street lights, night clubs and fights. By day, the town was sun-slapped and sweaty, lying like a dying pet at the foot of the Berserker Range; snaked by an old brown river, fed by the Bruce Highway, and striped by the Tropic of Capricorn. It was a place where people crossed the road slowly, the bitumen sucking at their thongs. A beef town with sale yards and abattoirs, two bridges – the ‘old’ bridge and the ‘new’ bridge – and a bigger population of both people and bull statues than those down south realised.
The heart of this short story is the foursome of Amelia, Chris, Megan and Trevor – all seventeen and meaning more to each other with each passing day they spend stuck in this town together. There’s something magic in this friendship, and I loved that Eagar didn’t feel the need to drag out or strip down their barest hint of enchantment – it may even just come down to something as intangible as belief, but it’s beautiful for being understated.
Volume 3 Issue 4 ‘Review of Australian Fiction’ is a little Aussie YA gem – fans of both Melina Marchetta and Kirsty Eagar will know what a prize these two short stories are, from two of our most beloved young adult authors. But I also hope that those unfamiliar with Marchetta and Eagar (perhaps even unfamiliar with the entire glorious underbelly of Aussie YA?) will read these stories and be prompted to delve deeper.
Merged review:
This is the fourth issue of Volume Three of the Review of Australian Fiction. It contains a new story by Melina Marchetta, "Ferragost", a 15,000 word Lady Celie adventure, and a story Kirsty Eagar, "Molasses".
‘Review of Australian Fiction’ has been a wonderful short story enterprise that pairs an established writer with an ‘emerging writer’ every issue. The latest offering, Volume 3 Issue 4, has Melina Marchetta headlining along with the emerging writer she hand-picked to share her issue, Kirsty Eagar. As the Editorial for the issue mentions, when Ms Marchetta was first approached to contribute to the Review, Eagar was an up-and-coming author. But that has all changed since the 2009 release of her debut novel ‘Raw Blue’, which went on to win the Victorian Premier's Literary Award and is one of the few Aussie YA books to make the prestigious NPR ‘Best-Ever Teen Novels?’ poll (quite a feat, considering ‘Raw Blue’ has never been released in the US!). And so this particular issue of the ‘Review of Australian Fiction’ is a veritable Aussie YA boon – pairing two of our most beloved and respected young adult authors and offering up two delicious slices of short story from both.
Melina Marchetta’s ‘Ferragost’ is short story 2.5 in her ‘Lumatere Chronicles’ epic YA fantasy series. The short story takes place in the same world as ‘Lumatere Chronicles’, but is a stand-alone story with Lady Celie of the Lumateran Flatlands – the daughter of Lord August and Lady Abian, and best friend to the Queen of Lumatere.
‘Ferragost’ opens with the discovery of Borealis Luby’s dead body. He is found amid jagged rocks, having seemingly flung himself from the high window of his room in Ferragost Castle. But Lady Celie of the Lumateran Flatlands is not convinced that his death is as simple as suicide, not with his head bashed in and Ferragost maids whispering of devious deeds being carried out in the name of the Queen . . . .
Celie turns to Castellan of Ferragost Castle, Mr Banyon, for help in her suspicions. But Banyon has his own investigation underway, one that places a great deal of suspicion (correctly) on Lady Celie being a spy sent by her Queen Isaboe. Meanwhile, Celie also seeks help in her private investigations from Ferragost native, Argus Laraunt who is a walking mystery unto himself;
‘Do you believe in curses and damnation, lady Celie?’ Argus Laraunt asked, and she saw fear in his eyes.
Celie shuddered. ‘Oh Mr Laraunt, I’m a Lumateran. My people were torn apart for ten years because of curses and damnation. I’m not the one to ask such a question of.’
‘Ferragost’ is a wonderful, twisting mystery from Melina Marchetta. This short story has a feel of Umberto Eco to it; with a pervading sense of menace stalking Celie in the darkened halls of Ferragost Castle, while whispers of death hint at a delicious combination of politics and horror. The events in ‘Ferragost’ are happening at the same time as the events in ‘Quintana’, so we’ll understand the larger role Celie plays when ‘Quintana of Charyn’ is released next month. I can’t wait to read more of Celie, for she proves herself to be quite a conundrum and interesting character – with a sickly, timid appearance belying steely resolve, quick thinking and even more admirable traits readers can see are, partly, influences of the wonderful Queen Isaboe.
I also loved reading about Celie and ‘Keeper of Ferragost’, Mr Banyon. By now followers of her work know that Ms Marchetta favours the unexpected in her characters’ romances, and that’s especially true of Celie and Banyon. I feel like we have only just scratched the surface of them in ‘Ferragost’, and I can’t wait to read more in the highly-anticipated ‘Quintana of Charyn’.
Kirsty Eagar’s ‘Molasses’ is set just outside of Rockhampton, Queensland and concentrates on four friends whose lives, already rocked by one seeming miracle, are set to change yet again . . .
The story focuses on Amelia Coady, who is bearing witness to the evolving relationship between her brother, Chris, and her best friend Megan. Feeling like a bystander in their changing dynamic, Amelia reminisces about the seismic shifts that started happening long before Chris started casting long looks at Megan from the back of the school bus . . .
Amelia remembers a few years back, when Chris was bed-ridden with Guillain–Barré syndrome, ascending paralysis in his legs leaving him dependent on their needlessly cruel mother, Jessie. She and Chris started devising plans and promises to one day escape their home, where Jessie and their step-father Ray are in a constant battle of wills over a safe cemented into the shed floor . . . but their escape depends on Chris getting better, by some miracle. But it’s not until Chris’s best friend, Trevor, and his cousin, Megan, enter into their orbits that real change begins.
‘Molasses’ is a wonderful ode to small country towns, and the suffocating lives being lived within them. Eagar’s pitch-perfect descriptions had echoes of Honey Brown for me, for her precise and heartbreakingly lovely setting;
Town. It looked better in the dark, or when viewed from a distance. From Jarmoya at night, it was a glow in the belly of the southern sky. A calling. Street lights, night clubs and fights. By day, the town was sun-slapped and sweaty, lying like a dying pet at the foot of the Berserker Range; snaked by an old brown river, fed by the Bruce Highway, and striped by the Tropic of Capricorn. It was a place where people crossed the road slowly, the bitumen sucking at their thongs. A beef town with sale yards and abattoirs, two bridges – the ‘old’ bridge and the ‘new’ bridge – and a bigger population of both people and bull statues than those down south realised.
The heart of this short story is the foursome of Amelia, Chris, Megan and Trevor – all seventeen and meaning more to each other with each passing day they spend stuck in this town together. There’s something magic in this friendship, and I loved that Eagar didn’t feel the need to drag out or strip down their barest hint of enchantment – it may even just come down to something as intangible as belief, but it’s beautiful for being understated.
Volume 3 Issue 4 ‘Review of Australian Fiction’ is a little Aussie YA gem – fans of both Melina Marchetta and Kirsty Eagar will know what a prize these two short stories are, from two of our most beloved young adult authors. But I also hope that those unfamiliar with Marchetta and Eagar (perhaps even unfamiliar with the entire glorious underbelly of Aussie YA?) will read these stories and be prompted to delve deeper.
‘Review of Australian Fiction’ has been a wonderful short story enterprise that pairs an established writer with an ‘emerging writer’ every issue. The latest offering, Volume 3 Issue 4, has Melina Marchetta headlining along with the emerging writer she hand-picked to share her issue, Kirsty Eagar. As the Editorial for the issue mentions, when Ms Marchetta was first approached to contribute to the Review, Eagar was an up-and-coming author. But that has all changed since the 2009 release of her debut novel ‘Raw Blue’, which went on to win the Victorian Premier's Literary Award and is one of the few Aussie YA books to make the prestigious NPR ‘Best-Ever Teen Novels?’ poll (quite a feat, considering ‘Raw Blue’ has never been released in the US!). And so this particular issue of the ‘Review of Australian Fiction’ is a veritable Aussie YA boon – pairing two of our most beloved and respected young adult authors and offering up two delicious slices of short story from both.
Ferragost by Melina Marchetta
Melina Marchetta’s ‘Ferragost’ is short story 2.5 in her ‘Lumatere Chronicles’ epic YA fantasy series. The short story takes place in the same world as ‘Lumatere Chronicles’, but is a stand-alone story with Lady Celie of the Lumateran Flatlands – the daughter of Lord August and Lady Abian, and best friend to the Queen of Lumatere.
‘Ferragost’ opens with the discovery of Borealis Luby’s dead body. He is found amid jagged rocks, having seemingly flung himself from the high window of his room in Ferragost Castle. But Lady Celie of the Lumateran Flatlands is not convinced that his death is as simple as suicide, not with his head bashed in and Ferragost maids whispering of devious deeds being carried out in the name of the Queen . . . .
Celie turns to Castellan of Ferragost Castle, Mr Banyon, for help in her suspicions. But Banyon has his own investigation underway, one that places a great deal of suspicion (correctly) on Lady Celie being a spy sent by her Queen Isaboe. Meanwhile, Celie also seeks help in her private investigations from Ferragost native, Argus Laraunt who is a walking mystery unto himself;
‘Do you believe in curses and damnation, lady Celie?’ Argus Laraunt asked, and she saw fear in his eyes.
Celie shuddered. ‘Oh Mr Laraunt, I’m a Lumateran. My people were torn apart for ten years because of curses and damnation. I’m not the one to ask such a question of.’
‘Ferragost’ is a wonderful, twisting mystery from Melina Marchetta. This short story has a feel of Umberto Eco to it; with a pervading sense of menace stalking Celie in the darkened halls of Ferragost Castle, while whispers of death hint at a delicious combination of politics and horror. The events in ‘Ferragost’ are happening at the same time as the events in ‘Quintana’, so we’ll understand the larger role Celie plays when ‘Quintana of Charyn’ is released next month. I can’t wait to read more of Celie, for she proves herself to be quite a conundrum and interesting character – with a sickly, timid appearance belying steely resolve, quick thinking and even more admirable traits readers can see are, partly, influences of the wonderful Queen Isaboe.
I also loved reading about Celie and ‘Keeper of Ferragost’, Mr Banyon. By now followers of her work know that Ms Marchetta favours the unexpected in her characters’ romances, and that’s especially true of Celie and Banyon. I feel like we have only just scratched the surface of them in ‘Ferragost’, and I can’t wait to read more in the highly-anticipated ‘Quintana of Charyn’.
Molasses by Kirsty Eagar
Kirsty Eagar’s ‘Molasses’ is set just outside of Rockhampton, Queensland and concentrates on four friends whose lives, already rocked by one seeming miracle, are set to change yet again . . .
The story focuses on Amelia Coady, who is bearing witness to the evolving relationship between her brother, Chris, and her best friend Megan. Feeling like a bystander in their changing dynamic, Amelia reminisces about the seismic shifts that started happening long before Chris started casting long looks at Megan from the back of the school bus . . .
Amelia remembers a few years back, when Chris was bed-ridden with Guillain–Barré syndrome, ascending paralysis in his legs leaving him dependent on their needlessly cruel mother, Jessie. She and Chris started devising plans and promises to one day escape their home, where Jessie and their step-father Ray are in a constant battle of wills over a safe cemented into the shed floor . . . but their escape depends on Chris getting better, by some miracle. But it’s not until Chris’s best friend, Trevor, and his cousin, Megan, enter into their orbits that real change begins.
‘Molasses’ is a wonderful ode to small country towns, and the suffocating lives being lived within them. Eagar’s pitch-perfect descriptions had echoes of Honey Brown for me, for her precise and heartbreakingly lovely setting;
Town. It looked better in the dark, or when viewed from a distance. From Jarmoya at night, it was a glow in the belly of the southern sky. A calling. Street lights, night clubs and fights. By day, the town was sun-slapped and sweaty, lying like a dying pet at the foot of the Berserker Range; snaked by an old brown river, fed by the Bruce Highway, and striped by the Tropic of Capricorn. It was a place where people crossed the road slowly, the bitumen sucking at their thongs. A beef town with sale yards and abattoirs, two bridges – the ‘old’ bridge and the ‘new’ bridge – and a bigger population of both people and bull statues than those down south realised.
The heart of this short story is the foursome of Amelia, Chris, Megan and Trevor – all seventeen and meaning more to each other with each passing day they spend stuck in this town together. There’s something magic in this friendship, and I loved that Eagar didn’t feel the need to drag out or strip down their barest hint of enchantment – it may even just come down to something as intangible as belief, but it’s beautiful for being understated.
Volume 3 Issue 4 ‘Review of Australian Fiction’ is a little Aussie YA gem – fans of both Melina Marchetta and Kirsty Eagar will know what a prize these two short stories are, from two of our most beloved young adult authors. But I also hope that those unfamiliar with Marchetta and Eagar (perhaps even unfamiliar with the entire glorious underbelly of Aussie YA?) will read these stories and be prompted to delve deeper.
Merged review:
This is the fourth issue of Volume Three of the Review of Australian Fiction. It contains a new story by Melina Marchetta, "Ferragost", a 15,000 word Lady Celie adventure, and a story Kirsty Eagar, "Molasses".
‘Review of Australian Fiction’ has been a wonderful short story enterprise that pairs an established writer with an ‘emerging writer’ every issue. The latest offering, Volume 3 Issue 4, has Melina Marchetta headlining along with the emerging writer she hand-picked to share her issue, Kirsty Eagar. As the Editorial for the issue mentions, when Ms Marchetta was first approached to contribute to the Review, Eagar was an up-and-coming author. But that has all changed since the 2009 release of her debut novel ‘Raw Blue’, which went on to win the Victorian Premier's Literary Award and is one of the few Aussie YA books to make the prestigious NPR ‘Best-Ever Teen Novels?’ poll (quite a feat, considering ‘Raw Blue’ has never been released in the US!). And so this particular issue of the ‘Review of Australian Fiction’ is a veritable Aussie YA boon – pairing two of our most beloved and respected young adult authors and offering up two delicious slices of short story from both.
Ferragost by Melina Marchetta
Melina Marchetta’s ‘Ferragost’ is short story 2.5 in her ‘Lumatere Chronicles’ epic YA fantasy series. The short story takes place in the same world as ‘Lumatere Chronicles’, but is a stand-alone story with Lady Celie of the Lumateran Flatlands – the daughter of Lord August and Lady Abian, and best friend to the Queen of Lumatere.
‘Ferragost’ opens with the discovery of Borealis Luby’s dead body. He is found amid jagged rocks, having seemingly flung himself from the high window of his room in Ferragost Castle. But Lady Celie of the Lumateran Flatlands is not convinced that his death is as simple as suicide, not with his head bashed in and Ferragost maids whispering of devious deeds being carried out in the name of the Queen . . . .
Celie turns to Castellan of Ferragost Castle, Mr Banyon, for help in her suspicions. But Banyon has his own investigation underway, one that places a great deal of suspicion (correctly) on Lady Celie being a spy sent by her Queen Isaboe. Meanwhile, Celie also seeks help in her private investigations from Ferragost native, Argus Laraunt who is a walking mystery unto himself;
‘Do you believe in curses and damnation, lady Celie?’ Argus Laraunt asked, and she saw fear in his eyes.
Celie shuddered. ‘Oh Mr Laraunt, I’m a Lumateran. My people were torn apart for ten years because of curses and damnation. I’m not the one to ask such a question of.’
‘Ferragost’ is a wonderful, twisting mystery from Melina Marchetta. This short story has a feel of Umberto Eco to it; with a pervading sense of menace stalking Celie in the darkened halls of Ferragost Castle, while whispers of death hint at a delicious combination of politics and horror. The events in ‘Ferragost’ are happening at the same time as the events in ‘Quintana’, so we’ll understand the larger role Celie plays when ‘Quintana of Charyn’ is released next month. I can’t wait to read more of Celie, for she proves herself to be quite a conundrum and interesting character – with a sickly, timid appearance belying steely resolve, quick thinking and even more admirable traits readers can see are, partly, influences of the wonderful Queen Isaboe.
I also loved reading about Celie and ‘Keeper of Ferragost’, Mr Banyon. By now followers of her work know that Ms Marchetta favours the unexpected in her characters’ romances, and that’s especially true of Celie and Banyon. I feel like we have only just scratched the surface of them in ‘Ferragost’, and I can’t wait to read more in the highly-anticipated ‘Quintana of Charyn’.
Molasses by Kirsty Eagar
Kirsty Eagar’s ‘Molasses’ is set just outside of Rockhampton, Queensland and concentrates on four friends whose lives, already rocked by one seeming miracle, are set to change yet again . . .
The story focuses on Amelia Coady, who is bearing witness to the evolving relationship between her brother, Chris, and her best friend Megan. Feeling like a bystander in their changing dynamic, Amelia reminisces about the seismic shifts that started happening long before Chris started casting long looks at Megan from the back of the school bus . . .
Amelia remembers a few years back, when Chris was bed-ridden with Guillain–Barré syndrome, ascending paralysis in his legs leaving him dependent on their needlessly cruel mother, Jessie. She and Chris started devising plans and promises to one day escape their home, where Jessie and their step-father Ray are in a constant battle of wills over a safe cemented into the shed floor . . . but their escape depends on Chris getting better, by some miracle. But it’s not until Chris’s best friend, Trevor, and his cousin, Megan, enter into their orbits that real change begins.
‘Molasses’ is a wonderful ode to small country towns, and the suffocating lives being lived within them. Eagar’s pitch-perfect descriptions had echoes of Honey Brown for me, for her precise and heartbreakingly lovely setting;
Town. It looked better in the dark, or when viewed from a distance. From Jarmoya at night, it was a glow in the belly of the southern sky. A calling. Street lights, night clubs and fights. By day, the town was sun-slapped and sweaty, lying like a dying pet at the foot of the Berserker Range; snaked by an old brown river, fed by the Bruce Highway, and striped by the Tropic of Capricorn. It was a place where people crossed the road slowly, the bitumen sucking at their thongs. A beef town with sale yards and abattoirs, two bridges – the ‘old’ bridge and the ‘new’ bridge – and a bigger population of both people and bull statues than those down south realised.
The heart of this short story is the foursome of Amelia, Chris, Megan and Trevor – all seventeen and meaning more to each other with each passing day they spend stuck in this town together. There’s something magic in this friendship, and I loved that Eagar didn’t feel the need to drag out or strip down their barest hint of enchantment – it may even just come down to something as intangible as belief, but it’s beautiful for being understated.
Volume 3 Issue 4 ‘Review of Australian Fiction’ is a little Aussie YA gem – fans of both Melina Marchetta and Kirsty Eagar will know what a prize these two short stories are, from two of our most beloved young adult authors. But I also hope that those unfamiliar with Marchetta and Eagar (perhaps even unfamiliar with the entire glorious underbelly of Aussie YA?) will read these stories and be prompted to delve deeper.
August 26, 2012
3.5 stars - How does a book so short incorporate so much happening, so many description, so many character traits and draws the reader in so much?
I admit I was a bit confused at first because it took me a bit to realize how the murder mystery related to the politics on Ferrogost Isle. And it was one of those murder mysteries where the body is discovered, and the ones doing the investigating slowly discover clues to support their theories - though it did not occur slowly at all. Throw in some twists, and you have a surprisingly delightful read.
What an amazingly bold and witty person Lady Celie is. And what a mysteriously intriguing man Castellan Banyon is. And the characters in this book just leaves you wondering, "What are they really up to?"
My only complaint with this short story is this... With the side stories in Froi of the Exiles, we are able to see how each story is relevant to the overall picture. Here, I have no clue how this connects to what's happening in Finnikin of the Rock and Froi of the Exiles. I am sure we will find out more about this short story in Quintana, but it wasn't enough to stand by itself, whereas the other stories in Froi of the Exiles were. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
But this was beautifully written and very intriguing for such a short story.
I admit I was a bit confused at first because it took me a bit to realize how the murder mystery related to the politics on Ferrogost Isle. And it was one of those murder mysteries where the body is discovered, and the ones doing the investigating slowly discover clues to support their theories - though it did not occur slowly at all. Throw in some twists, and you have a surprisingly delightful read.
What an amazingly bold and witty person Lady Celie is. And what a mysteriously intriguing man Castellan Banyon is. And the characters in this book just leaves you wondering, "What are they really up to?"
My only complaint with this short story is this... With the side stories in Froi of the Exiles, we are able to see how each story is relevant to the overall picture. Here, I have no clue how this connects to what's happening in Finnikin of the Rock and Froi of the Exiles. I am sure we will find out more about this short story in Quintana, but it wasn't enough to stand by itself, whereas the other stories in Froi of the Exiles were. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
But this was beautifully written and very intriguing for such a short story.
August 9, 2012
This story was published alongside Ferragost, and in terms of style and content, a better companion work would have been hard to come by.
The author's style reminds me a lot of Melina Marchetta's. Like the aforementioned author, Kirsty Eagar deals with tough adolescent issues, and creates very sympathetic characters.
A quick synopsis. Amelia is going through a tough time. Her flaky mother is near criminal in her disregard for her own children, her step-father cares more about pigeons than his step-children (though that may be a good thing since he eats pigeons), and her brother barely won the battle against the Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Her friends, Megan and Trevor, and her brother Chris seem to be the only constants in Amelia's life. That is, until Megan starts crushing on Chris and forever changes the circle of friendship the four of them have formed.
The novella delves into Amelia coming to terms with these changes going on in her life, and she fortunately emerges, if not happy, at least victorious in the end.
So why only three stars? I liked the story, and would encourage other people to read it. However, the problems Amelia faced were amplified just a little too much, and there was a substantial lack of focus. A short novella adequately can't (and shouldn't) deal with issues of family, romance, graduation, formal/prom, finances, illness, and miracles all at once. Plus, the emotional abandonment of Amelia's and Chris's mother was shocking and a little unbelievable. I'm kind of surprised social services hadn't already dragged her ass away.
The saving grace of this story, what pulled it back from absurdity, was the fantastic writing.
Overall, THREE STARS. The story is short and reads fast, and it was a great palate cleanser. All in all, it made me curious about the rest of Kirsty Eagar's works so I guess the novella served its purpose. Recommended for fans of YA lit in the style of Melina Marchetta.
Merged review:
Thank you, Melina Marchetta, for reminding me how much I want to read Quintana of Charyn and how much of an agonizing wait it is until September.
Because here I was, just barely getting over my heartache after finishing the mindgasm that was Froi of the Exiles, and then BOOM, this shows up.
This was a beautifully written story, and I loved reading every word of it. I was skeptical at first because this was about Lady Celie, someone I barely remembered from the books. Why not a side story about my second favorite couple, Lucian and Phaedra ( being the first)?
Now, I have been thoroughly put into my place, and Melina Marchetta has reduced me to praying to her muses that that Celie and Banyon are featured more in Quintana.
Overall, 4.5 STARS. Relative to the amazingness of the other two books, I hesitate to give this story a full five stars. But I still recommend everyone to give this story a shot, especially if you are (1) a fan of the Lumatere trilogy or (2) someone who has never read anything by Melina Marchetta and wants to give her stories a quick read. (I can almost guarantee you won't be disappointed)
Also, side note, Ferragosto...August 15? How is this related to the gloomy land of the Castellan? Perhaps a reference to the publication month?
The author's style reminds me a lot of Melina Marchetta's. Like the aforementioned author, Kirsty Eagar deals with tough adolescent issues, and creates very sympathetic characters.
A quick synopsis. Amelia is going through a tough time. Her flaky mother is near criminal in her disregard for her own children, her step-father cares more about pigeons than his step-children (though that may be a good thing since he eats pigeons), and her brother barely won the battle against the Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Her friends, Megan and Trevor, and her brother Chris seem to be the only constants in Amelia's life. That is, until Megan starts crushing on Chris and forever changes the circle of friendship the four of them have formed.
The novella delves into Amelia coming to terms with these changes going on in her life, and she fortunately emerges, if not happy, at least victorious in the end.
So why only three stars? I liked the story, and would encourage other people to read it. However, the problems Amelia faced were amplified just a little too much, and there was a substantial lack of focus. A short novella adequately can't (and shouldn't) deal with issues of family, romance, graduation, formal/prom, finances, illness, and miracles all at once. Plus, the emotional abandonment of Amelia's and Chris's mother was shocking and a little unbelievable. I'm kind of surprised social services hadn't already dragged her ass away.
The saving grace of this story, what pulled it back from absurdity, was the fantastic writing.
Overall, THREE STARS. The story is short and reads fast, and it was a great palate cleanser. All in all, it made me curious about the rest of Kirsty Eagar's works so I guess the novella served its purpose. Recommended for fans of YA lit in the style of Melina Marchetta.
Merged review:
Thank you, Melina Marchetta, for reminding me how much I want to read Quintana of Charyn and how much of an agonizing wait it is until September.
Because here I was, just barely getting over my heartache after finishing the mindgasm that was Froi of the Exiles, and then BOOM, this shows up.
This was a beautifully written story, and I loved reading every word of it. I was skeptical at first because this was about Lady Celie, someone I barely remembered from the books. Why not a side story about my second favorite couple, Lucian and Phaedra ( being the first)?
Now, I have been thoroughly put into my place, and Melina Marchetta has reduced me to praying to her muses that that Celie and Banyon are featured more in Quintana.
Overall, 4.5 STARS. Relative to the amazingness of the other two books, I hesitate to give this story a full five stars. But I still recommend everyone to give this story a shot, especially if you are (1) a fan of the Lumatere trilogy or (2) someone who has never read anything by Melina Marchetta and wants to give her stories a quick read. (I can almost guarantee you won't be disappointed)
Also, side note, Ferragosto...August 15? How is this related to the gloomy land of the Castellan? Perhaps a reference to the publication month?
January 31, 2023
Reread: January 2023
10 years passed and still no full-length Celie novel.................
10 years passed and still no full-length Celie novel.................
January 2, 2014
But I want more :(
I really liked the short story of Celie and Castellan of Ferragost. It was interesting how it tied into the tales of Lumatere and there could be some issues with Belegonia. Parts seemed a little rushed and that is probably because it is a short story and not a novel. There was tension and desire and I definitely felt a little heat.
I would be interested in reading more of Celie's adventures in Belegonia.
This is a fun little side read if you like The Lumatere Chronicles and still want to live in Marchetta's world a little longer.
I really liked the short story of Celie and Castellan of Ferragost. It was interesting how it tied into the tales of Lumatere and there could be some issues with Belegonia. Parts seemed a little rushed and that is probably because it is a short story and not a novel. There was tension and desire and I definitely felt a little heat.
I would be interested in reading more of Celie's adventures in Belegonia.
This is a fun little side read if you like The Lumatere Chronicles and still want to live in Marchetta's world a little longer.
August 7, 2015
It's just wrong that something so short can give me so many emotions and also feel like I've been brutally hung because it's not quite lacking, but there should be more?
No thanks to Lisa and Katie who insisted this was awesome...I'm going to mourn the fact that the second part of this story is coming out on a still not yet determined date.
No thanks to Lisa and Katie who insisted this was awesome...I'm going to mourn the fact that the second part of this story is coming out on a still not yet determined date.
May 5, 2020
Reread @ July 2017: will there ever be a sequel for lady celie? the world will never know
First read:
marchetta, this is merely a novella. why do u have to put along heavy emotions in this????? WILL I EVER KNOW WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED?!!!!
First read:
marchetta, this is merely a novella. why do u have to put along heavy emotions in this????? WILL I EVER KNOW WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED?!!!!
March 12, 2015
Only Melina Marchetta can write a story so short that can draw me in so much.
August 6, 2012
My review can also be found on my blog Collections.
Molasses is a short story featured in Review of Australian Fiction: Volume 3, Issue 4, and I was really curious about it because I loved the author's first novel Raw Blue. I wondered what genre it was going to be, and it ended up being a contemporary with one particular scene that seemed almost magical.
I love the author's writing, and for a short story, this was really good. I didn't want it to end. I think it would have been even better if it were a full-length novel though! I was just very interested in knowing more about the main group of characters and their relationships with each other. When it was over, I was left craving more and more.
Fans of Kirsty Eagar and Australian YA fiction shouldn't miss out on Molasses. It'll be enough to satisfy you, if you can't get enough of stories set in Australia.
Merged review:
My review can also be found on my blog Collections.
Every spring the King of Belegonia and his family stay at the Ferragost castle located off the coast of Belegonia. This year they invite Lady Celie of the Lumatere Flatlands to join them at Ferragost. While the arrival of the royal family is delayed by the weather, someone is murdered at Ferragost Castle and Celie decides to help the Castellan of the isle, Banyon, solve the murder. But it becomes tricky when Banyon suspects her of the murder and accuses her of being a spy for Lumatere.
Although it's a short story, Ferragost pretty much has everything I love to find in a Melina Marchetta story! There's always a surprise (or two or three!), something I never see coming. Even when I think I have the mystery solved, I never would have guessed the real reasons behind the characters' motives and actions. It tends to leave me in awe with my mouth hanging open and wondering how Melina Marchetta always manages to do this to her readers.
Melina's characters and the relationships in her stories are some of my favorites ever. Celie and her relationship with Banyon is no exception. On the outside Celie looks frail, but on the inside she's a total badass. I adored her! I also loved Banyon and Celie's interactions with him. Banyon doesn't seem to trust her and comes off as really rude, but there's an attraction there between them. So you can imagine the tension that builds whenever they're around each other. Celie will play a role in Quintana of Charyn, and I'm really really hoping Banyon will too! Even if it's a minor one, I don't care. He is up there with how I feel about the other male leads in the series. It amazes me how quickly and easily I can fall in love with Melina Marchetta characters. They are just that awesome.
According to Melina, Ferragost takes place around the same time as events in Quintana of Charyn but doesn't spoil anything. If you're a fan of the Lumatere Chronicles, I highly recommend you read Ferragost! It'll make you want the final book in the series even more, but at the same time it'll satisfy you and be the fix you need while you wait for QoC's release.
(Ferragost is featured in an issue of the online journal Review of Australlian Fiction. More info here. And it can be purchased here!)
August 29, 2012
The mother needs a punch in the face and a kick in her woman region.
Merged review:
Perfection. As always.
The thing about Melina Marchetta is that her stories unfold like a blossoming flower: Layer by layer, until what you have in the end is a beautiful bloom that you want more of. Gah!
Now I need a whole book about Celina May of the Lumateran Flatlands or just, you know, Quintana of Charyn. Gimmeh! I am in a perpetual state of longing for this woman's words. Putty in her hands folks! If she writes it,I'm reading it. Get on it!
Ferragost is a short-story and stand-alone in the Lumatere Chronicles. It features Lady Celie of the Flatlands, and the events happening in the story are taking place at the same time as those in the third book in the trilogy,Quintana of Charyn, which is due out in Australia on September 25th 2012, and March 2013 in the US.
Finally accepting an invitation from the royal family of Belegonia and their request for her company, Celie finds herself awaiting their arrival on Ferragost Island--their journey from the capital to the coastal island delayed by bad weather. However, no sooner than the five days since Celie and her small number of Belegonian court companions arrive, Borealis Luby, a Belegonian Lord, ends up dead. What appeared to be a suicide or accident quickly begins to appear more sinister to Celie, and she immediately tries to work with the Castellan, Banyon, to investigate the presumable foul play. From the beginning the tension is building between Banyon and Celie. He's suspicious of her presence in the land and believes she's a Lumateran spy and possible Luby's murderer, while she's not sure what to make of him, especially because of the peculiar event she witness upon her first glimpse of him. Their interaction and banter with each other is fun to watch as the plot unfolds. In the end, they both seemed to have made a lasting impression with each other and come to terms with their own versions of varying truths surrounding Luby's death; meanwhile, other unveiling leave readers and characters alike, surprised and wondering if everything is not quite what it seems at first glance.
Marchetta created a haunting setting, and adequately balances between the grim and mysterious with an air of romance with Ferragost.
What she is able to do in this six chapter short, is the same thing she's able to accomplish with her full-length novels: fashion an intricate and intriguing plot complete with interesting and complex characters who are multidimensional, and dare you to not take notice of them...DARE you not to fall in love with them. There is the signature Marchetta layer building of story present, and an open ended-ness that leaves readers wanting to know more about the other stories that could be told and/or explored, all while simultaneously concluding this particular juncture with brilliant words. Her prose, as always, is laced with powerful revelations in the way in which they are delivered, illuminating readers to the nature and emotions of the characters and the nuances of their actions.
I would definitely like to know more about Celia, Banyon, and Argus Laraunt. REALLY! I hope they all appear in Quintana...or you know, another novella in the future. Go and enjoy for yourself! I did!
Merged review:
Perfection. As always.
The thing about Melina Marchetta is that her stories unfold like a blossoming flower: Layer by layer, until what you have in the end is a beautiful bloom that you want more of. Gah!
Now I need a whole book about Celina May of the Lumateran Flatlands or just, you know, Quintana of Charyn. Gimmeh! I am in a perpetual state of longing for this woman's words. Putty in her hands folks! If she writes it,I'm reading it. Get on it!
Ferragost is a short-story and stand-alone in the Lumatere Chronicles. It features Lady Celie of the Flatlands, and the events happening in the story are taking place at the same time as those in the third book in the trilogy,Quintana of Charyn, which is due out in Australia on September 25th 2012, and March 2013 in the US.
Finally accepting an invitation from the royal family of Belegonia and their request for her company, Celie finds herself awaiting their arrival on Ferragost Island--their journey from the capital to the coastal island delayed by bad weather. However, no sooner than the five days since Celie and her small number of Belegonian court companions arrive, Borealis Luby, a Belegonian Lord, ends up dead. What appeared to be a suicide or accident quickly begins to appear more sinister to Celie, and she immediately tries to work with the Castellan, Banyon, to investigate the presumable foul play. From the beginning the tension is building between Banyon and Celie. He's suspicious of her presence in the land and believes she's a Lumateran spy and possible Luby's murderer, while she's not sure what to make of him, especially because of the peculiar event she witness upon her first glimpse of him. Their interaction and banter with each other is fun to watch as the plot unfolds. In the end, they both seemed to have made a lasting impression with each other and come to terms with their own versions of varying truths surrounding Luby's death; meanwhile, other unveiling leave readers and characters alike, surprised and wondering if everything is not quite what it seems at first glance.
Marchetta created a haunting setting, and adequately balances between the grim and mysterious with an air of romance with Ferragost.
What she is able to do in this six chapter short, is the same thing she's able to accomplish with her full-length novels: fashion an intricate and intriguing plot complete with interesting and complex characters who are multidimensional, and dare you to not take notice of them...DARE you not to fall in love with them. There is the signature Marchetta layer building of story present, and an open ended-ness that leaves readers wanting to know more about the other stories that could be told and/or explored, all while simultaneously concluding this particular juncture with brilliant words. Her prose, as always, is laced with powerful revelations in the way in which they are delivered, illuminating readers to the nature and emotions of the characters and the nuances of their actions.
I would definitely like to know more about Celia, Banyon, and Argus Laraunt. REALLY! I hope they all appear in Quintana...or you know, another novella in the future. Go and enjoy for yourself! I did!
September 29, 2012
*le sigh*
I read this after reading Quintana. But I would advise that one reads it after Froi.. still it was a small solace for me to still have a little bit of Lumatere to read. I still morn the end of the series!
AND again Marchetta managed to enchant me, she is an absolute master! IN only 35pages she had me
and
and
not to forget
but NOW its all over!!
The thing that amazes me is again Marchetta creates a master piece with layers that slowly uncover way beyond what I expected. She (again( created amazing multidimensional characters that one ends up connecting with in the shorter span of time.
In this short piece we getting fantasy, mystery, tragedy, intrigues , a bit of spying and romance!
The only negative thing about this, its too short of my taste and it left me wanting to know more about Celie and Banyon. It made me crave more of Lumatere!
I do as much as I morn the end of a great series also look forward to what Marchetta will write next. Because with this amazing short story she has definitely proven that she can write anything!
August 14, 2012
MORE. I NEED MORE!!
Want to read
June 21, 2012Holy freaking crap.
December 31, 2013
Another great entry in the Lumatere Chronicles. Lady Celie's story - very romantic and mysterious. A must read for any fan of the series. Full review to come soon.
August 9, 2012
3.5 stars
I'm just not into short stories, because, well, I just don't get the appeal.
This one, and Ferragost, were excellent for what they are: short stories by two of my favorite Aussie authors.
Merged review:
WHAT?!? How can it end like that??!?!?
I'm mad, now. See, this is why I don't like short stories.
They just pick up in the middle, you're totally getting into it, settling in for an amazing story by MM, and then they leave you hanging. .... hanging there, wanting more, when NO MORE will come. EVER.
I want more Celie and Banyon.
They BETTER be in Quintana of Charyn...I'm just sayin'.
I'm just not into short stories, because, well, I just don't get the appeal.
This one, and Ferragost, were excellent for what they are: short stories by two of my favorite Aussie authors.
Merged review:
WHAT?!? How can it end like that??!?!?
I'm mad, now. See, this is why I don't like short stories.
They just pick up in the middle, you're totally getting into it, settling in for an amazing story by MM, and then they leave you hanging. .... hanging there, wanting more, when NO MORE will come. EVER.
I want more Celie and Banyon.
They BETTER be in Quintana of Charyn...I'm just sayin'.
October 1, 2012
It was good that I read it after reading Quintana of Charyn. It would've been quite confusing as the action happened during the evens from the 3rd book.. still I enjoyed with all my heart this last piece of Lumatere.
But as the story ended I couldn't shake the feeling that Melina was just a bit mean while sharing this novella with us. You know why?
Because it gives you this terrible feeling that the story can still go on, that there are other intrigues that could be revealed if MM would decide to not leave behind this wonderful world... and that's a lost hope now that last volume in the series is out. *sigh*
But as the story ended I couldn't shake the feeling that Melina was just a bit mean while sharing this novella with us. You know why?
Because it gives you this terrible feeling that the story can still go on, that there are other intrigues that could be revealed if MM would decide to not leave behind this wonderful world... and that's a lost hope now that last volume in the series is out. *sigh*
August 22, 2012
Being the Melina Marchetta addict that I am, there is no way that I could not read this. And once again I was not let down. Learning more about Lady Celie was fabulous. I love her heart and loyalty. I love her ambition, really I just think I love everything about the lovely Lumeterans and Lady Celie is no exception. I can't wait to see more of her in Quintana.
Is it October yet?
Is it October yet?
April 29, 2022
Eighth re-read: each re-read seals my love for this story, especially for the potential romance. I really want a book with Celie spying for Lumatere and outsmarting my cranky Castellan. I'm yearning for MORE.
--
I want Celie and Valentien to have a book for themselves. I would devour it.
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I want Celie and Valentien to have a book for themselves. I would devour it.
February 19, 2013
Very happy there will be more of these Lady Celie stories. Glad to return to the world of Skuldenore! This one's a mystery full of great wit, humour and sexual tension with the usual Marchetta genius.
August 9, 2012
5 stars.
It was absolutely great.
Celie is one of those quietly fierce characters I love reading about and Mr Banyon was positively intriguing. My only complaint is: WHY SO SHORT!? I definitely want to read more about that couple... The ending was unexpectedly adorable :)
It was absolutely great.
Celie is one of those quietly fierce characters I love reading about and Mr Banyon was positively intriguing. My only complaint is: WHY SO SHORT!? I definitely want to read more about that couple... The ending was unexpectedly adorable :)
August 3, 2015
Well that was interesting. A bit scattered at times (jumping from one scene to the next with no break), but I would LOVE more with Celie. She's fascinating. (Andplusalso more about Isaboe's missing years!)
May 29, 2015
this is unfair i need a whole book on celie... what kinda cliffhanger marchetta...
July 21, 2016
I WANT MOOOOREEEE
August 7, 2019
I wish this was a full book
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