Title: The Girl Who Chased The Moon
Author: Sarah Addison Allen
First published March 16, 2010
272 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781444706611 (ISBN10: 1444706616)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
Enchanting and captivating, The Girl Who Chased The Moon by Sarah Addison Allen is a must-read for anyone seeking a little magical escapism. From the author of the beloved Garden Spells comes a tale of love, loss, and the power of forgiveness.
With richly drawn characters and a touch of whimsy, this novel is sure to leave readers spellbound. So curl up with a cozy blanket and let yourself be transported to a world where anything is possible.
About the Author
Sarah Addison Allen, a New York Times Bestselling novelist, infuses her southern upbringing into her captivating blend of magical realism, heartwarming romance, and small-town sensibility. She was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, where she developed a love for books and good food.
Allen credits her journalist father for instilling her love for books and her mother, a fabulous cook, for her appreciation of good food. In college, she majored in literature, which she found amazing because it allowed her to get a diploma for reading fiction.
After college, Allen began writing seriously and published her first mainstream novel, Garden Spells, in 2007. The novel is a modern-day fairy tale about an enchanted apple tree and the family of North Carolina women who tend to it.
Booklist described it as “spellbindingly charming,” and it became a Barnes & Noble Recommends selection and then a New York Times Bestseller. Allen’s fiction has been described as “Southern-fried magic realism,” and readers can’t seem to get enough of it.
Allen’s published books include Garden Spells (2007), The Sugar Queen (2008), The Girl Who Chased the Moon (2010), The Peach Keeper (2011), Lost Lake (2014), First Frost (2015), and Other Birds (August 30, 2022).
Editoral Review
Sarah Addison Allen’s book “The Girl Who Chased The Moon” is a delightful read that incorporates magical realism, Southern charm, and heartwarming characters. Allen is a New York Times bestselling author, whose previous works include “Garden Spells” and “The Sugar Queen.” Her enchanting prose and skillful storytelling make it no surprise that “The Girl Who Chased The Moon” was also a bestseller upon its publication in 2010.
The book takes place in a small Southern town called Mullaby, and centers around the unique relationship between two women, Emily Benedict and Julia Winterson. Emily has just arrived in Mullaby to live with her grandfather after her mother’s death, and quickly learns that there is more to this town than meets the eye.
Julia, on the other hand, has lived in Mullaby her whole life and is known for her incredible baking skills and her ability to make anything taste magical. Both women have their own secrets, and their journey towards accepting and understanding each other is at the heart of the novel.
The town of Mullaby is also a character in its own right, as it is filled with fantastical elements such as a giant yard ornament that lights up at night and a mysterious glowing wallpaper. The magical realism adds an ethereal quality to the book and keeps the reader engaged throughout.
One of the strengths of “The Girl Who Chased The Moon” is its wonderfully developed characters, all of whom have their own quirks and backstories. Emily, who is initially hesitant about her new life in Mullaby, learns to embrace her family’s legacy and the unique culture of the town.
Julia, who is initially skeptical of Emily’s arrival, opens up to her and eventually shares her own secrets. Another strength of the book is Allen’s beautifully descriptive writing style, which helps to transport the reader to the quaint Southern town of Mullaby.
The pacing of the novel is also well done, as Allen expertly balances the magical elements with the more grounded, emotional moments. While “The Girl Who Chased The Moon” does not address any particular historical or cultural significance, its themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and the importance of family are universal and relatable.
The magic of the town of Mullaby is also a metaphor for finding the beauty in the unexpected and embracing the unknown. Despite its many strengths, “The Girl Who Chased The Moon” is not without its flaws.
The ending feels a bit rushed and could have benefited from a more gradual resolution. Additionally, some of the magical elements in the book could have been explained further, as they are left somewhat ambiguous.
Overall, “The Girl Who Chased The Moon” is a lovely read that will transport the reader to the dreamy town of Mullaby. Fans of magical realism and Southern literature will enjoy this book, as will anyone yearning for a heartwarming story about the importance of family and forgiveness.
It is rated 4 out of 5 stars.
