The Girl Who Drank The Moon – Book Review

Bhumika Goel / November 2023

Introduction

The Girl Who Drank the Moon, penned by Kelly Barnhill, is a fabulous fiction novel for readers of all ages. The fairy tale of a beautiful little girl named Luna keeps the reader gripped. The village people presumed her cursed. Xan, a loving witch, is raising Luna with love and affection. There’s a roller coaster of emotions in that book, blending magic, mystery, and adventure.

The book has received high praise from critics for its masterful world-building, compelling characters, and in-depth examination of subjects like the importance of knowledge and the obstructive effects of ignorance. With a diverse cast of characters that each have their own goals and challenges, the story is relatable and fascinating to a broad audience.

Story

Characters

The characters have distinct traits and roles in the narrative. Some of the main characters and the reasons readers might react differently to them.

1. Luna: She is the main character of the story. Luna is a kind and curious young girl. She is presumed abandoned in the forest due to a curse. Many readers adore her because of her self-discovery journey and her ability to see the world from a different perspective.
2. Xan: She is a compassionate, wise, and genuinely loving mother figure to Luna. She is a witch full of maternal wisdom and instincts. She wins the admiration for showing kindness and love to Luna.
3. Antain: Initially a young Protectorate man, Antain becomes a pivotal figure throughout the narrative. This character experiences change in the later part of the story, leaving readers feeling conflicted about him.
4. The Council of Elders: The Council is the antagonist since they uphold the oppressive custom of sacrificing a child to the forest witch every year. The fact that these characters contribute to the spread of ignorance and cruelty may make many readers dislike them.
5. Fyrian: A diminutive, dragon-like creature, Fyrian brings humor to the story and wins readers over with his wacky, endearing nature.
6. Elder Gherland: Readers may find it admirable that Elder Gherland is a multifaceted character well-known for his intense curiosity and resolve to find the truth.

Every character in the book adds to the richness and complexity of the story, making it an enjoyable read.

The Best Elements of the Story are as follows:

1. Rich World-Building: The world of the book is extraordinarily well-crafted, full of magical creatures, mythological lore, and a unique fusion of whimsy and darkness.
2. Character Development: The characters experience substantial growth, and the interwoven stories of these characters add to the compelling plot.
3. Knowledge and Empowerment Themes: The book highlights the value of education and knowledge in empowerment and constructive change in society.

The worst parts 

1. Pacing Issues: The pacing, particularly in the beginning, may seem slow to some readers.
2. Complex Plot: Younger readers may find it difficult to follow the intricacies and the multiple character perspectives.

Uniqueness and Reading Pleasure: 

The Girl Who Drank the Moon stands out for its lyrical prose and ability to tackle subjects in a way that readers of all ages can understand. The book skillfully combines several storylines with mythical and legendary elements to create a narrative that is both original and mesmerizing. It is thought-provoking due to its examination of the consequences of ignorance and the power of knowledge, and it is delightful to escape from due to its magical elements.

Motivation and Inspiration for Younger Generations: 

The book can serve as a source of inspiration for young readers interested in science, engineering, and math careers in several ways:

1. Emphasis on Knowledge: The story highlights the importance of knowledge and learning to face worldly challenges and encourages readers to pursue knowledge and education to empower themselves.
2. Problem Solving: The characters use their intelligence and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges and inspire young readers to embrace critical thinking and analytical skills in their academic and career pursuits.
3. Diversity of Abilities: The characters in the book showcase a range of abilities and skills. The story motivates young people to explore a variety of fields within science, engineering, and math, finding what resonates with their unique interests and capabilities.

Recommendation

The book is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that weaves magic and themes of knowledge and empowerment into a unique and enchanting narrative. It is an enjoyable read and a possible source of inspiration for the younger generation interested in pursuing careers in math, science, and engineering because of its exquisitely created characters, world, and themes.

This captivating fantasy book is a literary masterpiece that takes you to a vividly imagined setting full of magic, intrigue, and thought-provoking lessons.

It examines the importance of empathy, the consequences of ignorance, and the transformational power of knowledge through its well-developed characters and complex plot.

Conclusion

The distinct blending of whimsy and darkness, complex character development, and recurring theme of hope will enthrall readers. It is a book that inspires people who want to work in science, engineering, or math because it promotes learning, problem-solving, and the appreciation of different skill sets.

Bibliography

Author: Kelly Barnhill

Age Group: 9+ years

Bhumika Goel is a technology and design thinker, a lifelong learner having a wide range of experience across WordPress development, content marketing and search engine optimization. Creative web applications, tools, and products that your customers will love and get you real business results, is something she can empower you with. She is passionate for delivering high-quality work that meets the needs and expectations of her clients. She is always eager to learn new skills and technologies to enhance her portfolio and stay ahead of the curve. She is looking for new opportunities to collaborate with other professionals and help businesses grow their online presence and reach their goals.