Title: The Fetch
Author: Laura Whitcomb
First published January 1, 2009
380 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780618891313 (ISBN10: 0618891315)
Rating: 3.08
Overview
Lena is a mortal girl who falls in love with Calder, a Fetch, a death escort unlike any other. Calder is the first of his kind to step from Heaven back to Earth, and the first to fall in love with a mortal girl.
However, their love story takes a dangerous turn when Calder accidentally climbs backwards out of a Death Scene and into the ghost realm during the Russian Revolution. This tear in the ghost realm sparks a revolution of their own as the spirits rise up against the living.
Lena and Calder must fight to protect their love and each other in a world where death is not the end, but only the beginning.
About the Author
Laura Whitcomb grew up in a house in Pasadena, California that had a few spooky occurrences. She earned an English degree from California State University at Northridge in 1993 and has taught Language Arts in California and Hawaii.
Laura has been awarded three Kay Snow Awards and was once a runner up in the Bulwer-Lytton writing contest for the best opening sentence of the worst Science Fiction novel that was never written. In her free time, she sings madrigals with the Sherwood Renaissance Singers and is the props mistress for the Portland Christmas Revels.
Currently, she lives with her son Robinson in Wilsonville, Oregon.
The movie rights for A Certain Slant of Light, which was purchased by Kristin Hahn, producer of The Departed, will be published in eight different languages including Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, German, Polish, and Turkish. The audio book is published by Listening Library.
In 2005, ACSOL was selected for the “Discover Great New Writers” program at Barnes & Noble bookstores.
The Fetch was listed as #5 in the top ten of Children’s Indie Next List 2009 and was published as an audio book by Recorded Books. The paperback version will be available in the fall of 2010.
Editoral Review
Laura Whitcomb’s novel, The Fetch, is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of love, loss, and the power of human connection. Published in 2009, the novel blends elements of historical fiction, romance, and supernatural fantasy, making for a genre-bending and engaging read.
Set in the picturesque town of Wicklow, Ireland in the 19th century, the novel follows the story of a young woman named Calder. As a Fetch, Calder is a being who escorts the souls of the recently deceased to their final resting place.
However, when Calder becomes enamored with a living boy named Jack, she begins to question her own existence and the nature of love itself. The novel deftly explores the intricacies of life and death, and the boundaries between the living and the dead.
Whitcomb’s writing is nothing short of stunning. Her prose is lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid picture of 19th century Ireland and Calder’s solitary life as a Fetch.
The author’s attention to detail is impressive, from the descriptions of the lush landscape to the nuanced emotions of the characters. Whitcomb’s use of supernatural elements enhances the novel’s dreamlike quality and adds to its sense of magic.
The character development in The Fetch is also noteworthy. Calder is a complex and relatable protagonist, struggling with a sense of loneliness and an identity crisis.
Jack, the object of her affection, is equally well-drawn and realistic, with his own fears and insecurities. The supporting characters, from the wise and enigmatic Mr. Garrity to the judgmental Father or ‘Shea, are equally compelling and add depth to the story.
The pacing of the novel is measured and deliberate, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world of The Fetch. While the plot is driven by Calder’s desire for Jack and her eventual pursuit of him, the novel never feels contrived or predictable.
The twists and turns are satisfying and contribute to the overall emotional impact of the story. As a work of historical fiction, The Fetch does an excellent job of capturing the spirit and ethos of 19th century Ireland.
From the intricacies of the class system to the political unrest of the time, Whitcomb weaves in historical details without overwhelming the story. The novel also speaks to broader themes of loss, grief, and the nature of love that are as relevant today as they were in the past.
While there are few flaws in The Fetch, some readers may find the supernatural elements off-putting or distracting. Additionally, the novel’s blend of genres and themes may not be to everyone’s taste.
However, those who are willing to suspend their disbelief and engage with the story on its own terms will find themselves rewarded with a rich and satisfying read. Overall, The Fetch is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that is sure to captivate readers.
Laura Whitcomb’s sensitive and nuanced exploration of life, death, and love marks her as a writer to watch in the years to come. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, romance, and supernatural fantasy.
Rating: 4.5/5.