Book Title: The Ten Thousand Doors of January
Author: Alix E. Harrow
Publication Date: September 10, 2019
Length: 374 pages
Genre: Fantasy / Historical Fiction
*** My Review ***
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow is a captivating and enchanting novel that explores the power of stories and the human desire for adventure and freedom. Set in the early 20th century, the book follows the journey of January Scaller, a young girl who discovers a hidden world of magical portals and alternate realities.
From the very first page, you will be captivated by the spellbinding prose that dances across the pages, inviting you to join in an adventure that will take you through portals of time and space. The pacing is not fast, nor is it slow – it is simply perfect, drawing you in with each turn of the page, leaving you breathless with anticipation as you journey alongside the remarkable protagonist, January Scaller.
As you delve deeper into the story, you will find yourself lost in a world of magic, wonder, and discovery. You will be enthralled by the intricate and masterful world-building, the vivid descriptions of otherworldly landscapes, and the complex characters who populate this fantastical universe.
The story is told from two perspectives – that of January, and that of her father’s enigmatic benefactor, Mr. Locke, who collects rare artifacts and curiosities from around the world. January is a curious and intelligent girl who is curious about the world around her, despite being raised in privilege and isolation. Mr. Locke, on the other hand, is a complex and enigmatic character who is motivated by a desire for power and control.
The novel explores themes of identity, family, and belonging. January struggles with her identity as a mixed-race girl and feels out of place in both the world of her wealthy white father and the world of her mother’s people.
She finds solace in the stories she reads and in the discovery of the magical doors that lead to other worlds. Through her travels, she learns to embrace her heritage and finds a sense of belonging among people who accept her for who she is.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is Harrow’s writing style, which is both lyrical and vivid. She creates a rich and immersive world that is filled with wonder and magic. The descriptions of the different worlds that January visits are incredibly detailed and transport the reader to different times and places.
Even the romantic subplot, which can sometimes feel forced or predictable, is understated and perfect. It will leave you with a smile on your face and your heart full.
And yet, despite the book’s completeness, there is enough unfinished business and unexplored territory that it could easily expand into a second book or series. But, as the reader notes, there is a bittersweet ambiguity to the ending that makes you want to leave the characters to work things out on their own.
The characters are also well-drawn and complex, and the relationships between them are nuanced and realistic. The main character, January, is a curious and courageous young woman who finds herself drawn into a world of mystery and adventure when she discovers a mysterious book entitled “The Ten Thousand Doors.” As she delves deeper into its pages, she realizes that the story she is reading is not just a work of fiction, but a portal to other worlds.
The storytelling is masterful, weaving together multiple perspectives and timelines to create a rich and complex tapestry of a story. At times, the narrative shifts from first person to third person, giving us glimpses into the lives of other characters and adding depth and complexity to the story.
And yet, despite the complexity of the narrative, the writing is simple, elegant, and utterly enchanting. The descriptions of otherworldly landscapes and creatures are vivid and immersive, drawing you into the story and making you feel as though you are right there alongside January.
The book is also a celebration of the power of stories and the importance of storytelling. January’s journey is framed as a story within a story, with the narrator (who is revealed later in the book) telling her tale to a group of listeners.
The idea that stories have the power to transport us to other worlds and to connect us to other people is a central theme of the book, and Harrow handles it with skill and grace.
Even if you are not typically a fan of fantasy, this book is a must-read. It is a rare gem, a work of art that will leave you breathless with wonder and awe. And the ending – oh, the ending! It is simply perfect, a fitting conclusion to a story that is both original and timeless. So let yourself be swept away by the magic of The Ten Thousand Doors of January, and discover the wonders that lie beyond the pages of this extraordinary book.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January is a work of literary magic, a spellbinding journey that will awaken the childlike wonder in all who read it. From the first page, you are transported to a world that is both familiar and fantastical, a world where magic is real, and anything is possible.
Overall, The Ten Thousand Doors of January is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that will transport readers to another world. It is a celebration of the power of stories and the human desire for adventure and freedom, and it is sure to captivate readers of all ages.