Title: The Enchanted
Author: Rene Denfeld
First published March 4, 2014
233 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062285508 (ISBN10: 0062285505)
Rating: 3.95
Overview
Through the eyes of a death row inmate, The Enchanted takes us on a journey to an enchanted place. This ancient stone prison is a world of its own, where magical visions blend with the harsh reality of prison life.
Our protagonist finds solace in books and uses his imagination to create fantastical stories about the people he observes. But when a fallen priest and an investigator known as the Lady arrive, they bring a new perspective to this alternate world.
The Lady is searching for information from prisoners’ pasts that could save those on death row, but her investigation uncovers shocking truths that challenge her own beliefs about guilt and innocence. The Enchanted is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after the final page.
About the Author
Meet Rene Denfeld, a highly acclaimed author who has captured the hearts of readers with her moving and poetic storytelling. Her bestselling novels, including “The Child Finder,” “The Enchanted,” and “The Butterfly Girl,” have earned her numerous awards such as the French Prix and an ALA Medal for Excellence.
Even Margaret Atwood couldn’t resist praising “The Butterfly Girl” on Twitter, calling it “a heartbreaking, finger-gnawing, yet ultimately hopeful novel.”
Rene’s passion for justice extends beyond her writing. As an investigator, she has dedicated her career to helping those who have been wrongfully convicted and victims of sex trafficking.
She has also been a foster parent for over two decades, raising several children who were adopted from foster care. Her advocacy work has not gone unnoticed, as she was awarded the Break The Silence Award in 2017 and named hero of the year by the New York Times.
With a heart full of compassion and a talent for storytelling, Rene Denfeld is a true inspiration to us all.
Editoral Review
Rene Denfelds debut novel, The Enchanted is a hauntingly poetic and beautifully crafted work of fiction, exploring the darkest corners of the human psyche. Published in 2014, the book received widespread critical acclaim and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
The Enchanted tells the story of an unnamed prisoner on death row, known only as “York”, who is awaiting his execution at a maximum-security prison. He spends his final days in a world of his own making, a place of beauty and grace, where he is surrounded by other condemned men, his cell neighbors, and the various characters of the prison.
Among them is a priest who is searching for redemption, a fallen guard seeking atonement, and an investigator hired to find evidence that will keep York from the gallows. They are drawn into a world both wondrous and terrifying, where reality is distorted by the prisons’ walls, and darkness and beauty coexist in a surreal landscape.
Denfeld’s writing style is lyrical and poetic, reflecting the book’s magical realism elements. She has crafted an arresting and enchanting narrative, where beauty and horror, light and darkness, grace and brutality collide convincingly.
The characters are complex and nuanced, and the themes of love, redemption, and justice are woven seamlessly into the story. The novel’s setting, a death row prison, is as much a character in itself as the other characters.
Denfelds experience working as an investigator in death penalty cases informed her book, and she brings depth and insight into the brutal prison system, both compassionate and damning in her portrayal. Denfelds writing is unique, and for the most part, her storytelling is compelling, as she explores the psychological and emotional toll that death row takes on those who live and work within its walls.
Nonetheless, the novel does have some weaknesses. The climax of the story feels somewhat contrived, and Yorks backstory, which is slowly revealed throughout the book, lacks a cohesive narrative arc, leading to a somewhat fractured reading experience.
Overall, The Enchanted is a remarkable debut, showcasing Denfeld’s vivid imagination, evocative prose, and acute insight into human nature. It is a thought-provoking and profound book that will linger with readers long after the final page.
It is a must-read for those interested in magical realism, dark fiction, or social justice issues related to the death penalty. In conclusion, I highly recommend The Enchanted to all readers.
This book is an excellent addition to the literary world and an impressive debut by Rene Denfeld. It receives a score of 4.5 out of 5, based on its exceptional storytelling, unique style, touching characters, and meaningful themes.
It may not appeal to readers who require immediate gratification or action-packed novels, but for those who appreciate poetic prose and thought-provoking stories that linger long after they are finished, The Enchanted is not one to be missed.
