Title: A Corner of White
Author: Jaclyn Moriarty
First published September 18, 2012
375 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780545397360 (ISBN10: 0545397367)
Rating: 3.8
Overview
This book is a retelling of the life of Jesus Christ that will leave readers spellbound. Philip Pullman’s The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ is a masterful work charged with mystery, compassion, and power.
It sheds new light on who Jesus was and forces readers to ask themselves thought-provoking questions that will stay with them long after they’ve finished reading. Most importantly, this book is about the power of storytelling and how stories can shape our understanding of the world around us.
About the Author
Jaclyn Moriarty writes captivating stories for young adults, hailing from Australia. Her educational background includes studying English at the University of Sydney, as well as law at Yale University and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where she earned her PhD.
Jaclyn has a younger sister, and was once married to Canadian writer. She is now a proud mother to her son, Charlie, and calls Sydney her current home.
Editoral Review
A Corner of White by Jaclyn Moriarty is a whimsical and complex novel that intricately weaves together the lives of two teenagers living in vastly different worlds. Moriarty, a critically acclaimed author known for her innovative storytelling, explores themes of family, friendship, grief, and the power of imagination in this enchanting tale.
The book follows Madeleine Tully, a lonely and curious teenager living in Cambridge, England, who discovers a mysterious note in the local library. The note leads her to a magical world called The Kingdom of Cello, where she starts a correspondence with a boy named Elliot Baranski, who is also struggling with his own set of problems.
The two teenagers form an unlikely friendship as they navigate their complicated lives and try to unravel the secrets of their respective worlds. Moriarty masterfully constructs two distinct and compelling narratives that seamlessly intermingle as the story progresses.
The world of Cello is imaginative and whimsical, with floating islands, talking animals, and a mysterious royal family. Moriarty expertly balances the mystical elements of this world with the emotional depth of her characters, exploring the relationships between the Baranski family members and their tumultuous past.
In contrast, the world of Cambridge is rooted in reality, with all its mundanity, along with Madeleine’s motherwho is struggling with depression and the weight of her family’s expectations. Moriarty uses this setting to highlight the societal pressures faced by teenagers and their families, while also exploring themes of loss, grief and the search for belonging.
The characters are the heart of the story. Madeleine and Elliot are both relatable, nuanced protagonists with distinct voices and personalities.
Madeleine’s inquisitiveness and yearning for connection make her instantly likable, while Elliot’s wry and cynical outlook on life provides a welcome counterpoint. Moriarty’s supporting characters are just as fleshed out, each with their own quirks and struggles that add depth to the story.
Moriartys writing is poetic and evocative, drawing readers into the worlds of Cello and Cambridge with ease. Her attention to detail and knack for narrative structure keeps the reader invested in the story from beginning to end.
There are few limitations to this beautifully crafted novel. Perhaps the book’s one slight flaw is the occasional pacing issue in the Cello storyline, but this minor drawback does not detract from the overall impact of the story.
A Corner of White will appeal to young adult and adult readers who crave immersive storytelling, memorable characters, and poignant themes. The book is especially relevant for younger readers facing struggles with family, friends, and the expectations of society.
Moriarty’s ability to create worlds that are both fantastical yet relatable based on simple human emotions is impressive, showing how the book can speak to everyone in different ways. Overall, A Corner of White is a captivating and powerful novel that is sure to enchant readers.
Moriarty’s masterful prose, intricate world-building, and relatable characters make this book both engaging and thought-provoking. This emotional and imaginative novel will stay with readers long after they finish the last page.
The book comes highly recommended, earning a score of 4.8/5.
