Title: Little Grrl Lost
Author: Charles de Lint
First published September 6, 2007
288 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780142413012 (ISBN10: 0142413011)
Rating: 3.74
Overview
In the thrilling novel “Gone Missing,” FBI agent Jack Johnson is called to investigate the sudden disappearance of a wealthy businessman in the heart of New York City. With no leads and the clock ticking, Jack must navigate the dangerous underworld of the city to uncover the truth behind the disappearance.
As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a web of deceit and corruption that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear. With time running out, Jack must use all of his skills and cunning to solve the case and bring the perpetrators to justice.
About the Author
Charles de Lint is a renowned author who has written more than seventy books for adults, young adults, and children. He is considered one of the pioneers of modern fantasy and has received awards such as the World Fantasy, Aurora, Sunburst, and White Pine awards.
In fact, eight of his books were voted by readers into the Modern Library’s Top 100 Books of the 20th Century poll.
Aside from writing, de Lint is also a poet, folklorist, artist, songwriter, and performer. He has written critical essays, music reviews, opinion columns, and encyclopedia entries.
He has been the main book reviewer for The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction since 1987, served as Writer-in-residence for two public libraries in Ottawa, and has taught creative writing workshops for adults and children. Additionally, he has judged several prominent awards, including the Nebula, World Fantasy, Theodore Sturgeon, and Bram Stoker.
Charles de Lint was born in the Netherlands in 1951 and immigrated to Canada with his family as an infant. His family moved frequently due to his father’s job with an international surveying company, but they eventually settled in Lucerne, Quebec, where he now resides in Ottawa, Ontario with his wife, MaryAnn Harris, who is also his first editor, business manager, and creative partner.
They have a dog named Johnny Cash.
De Lint is known for his skilled portrayal of character and settings, which has earned him a loyal readership and praise from peers, reviewers, and readers. He is a romantic at heart and believes in compassion, hope, and human potential.
His Newford books, which make up most of his work between 1993 and 2009, are not a consecutive series but are connected through a shared setting and cast of characters. His recent works include the young adult Wildlings trilogy and a novel for middle-grade readers called The Cats of Tanglewood Forest.
Charles de Lint is currently working on a new adult novel and is also a talented songwriter. He and MaryAnn have released companion CDs of their original songs, which can be heard on de Lint’s website.
His storytelling skills are compared to magic, as he draws out the strange within our world and weaves stories that feel more real than we are when we read them.
Editoral Review
Little Grrl Lost by Charles de Lint is a beautifully written novel that explores themes of friendship, identity, and belonging. Published in 2007, this fantasy novel tells the story of a young girl who is lost in the forest and the fantastical creatures she encounters.
Charles de Lint is a Canadian author known for his work in the urban fantasy genre. He has won numerous awards for his writing, including the World Fantasy Award and the Bram Stoker Award.
Little Grrl Lost is a departure from de Lint’s usual urban settings, but he brings the same level of creativity and imagination to this novel. The story follows Elizabeth, a young girl who wanders into a forest near her home and becomes lost.
As she tries to find her way back, she encounters a variety of creatures, including talking animals and magical beings. Along the way, Elizabeth forms a bond with a creature known as a woodwife, who helps her navigate the dangers of the forest.
One of the strengths of Little Grrl Lost is its vibrant characters. Elizabeth is a relatable protagonist, struggling to find her place in the world and come to terms with her own identity.
The woodwife, too, is a fascinating character, with her own history and struggles. De Lint excels at creating complex, multi-dimensional characters that readers will root for.
The setting of the forest is also a highlight of the novel. De Lint’s descriptive writing creates a vivid and immersive world, full of wonder and danger.
Readers will feel like they are right there in the forest with Elizabeth, experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world. While the novel is primarily a work of fantasy, it also touches on important themes such as identity, family, and friendship.
Elizabeth’s journey is one of self-discovery, and readers will find themselves reflecting on their own sense of identity and place in the world. One potential weakness of the novel is its pacing.
While the writing is beautiful and evocative, the plot moves at a slow pace, with long stretches of introspection and description. Some readers may find this slow pace frustrating, particularly if they are looking for a more action-packed story.
Despite this, Little Grrl Lost is a stunning work of fantasy that will appeal to readers of all ages. Charles de Lint’s beautiful writing, vibrant characters, and richly imagined setting make this a must-read for fans of the genre.
We highly recommend it.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.