Furthermore

Publication Date: August 30, 2016

Publisher: Dutton

Pages: 406

Summary:

Ferenwood is a land like no other. Color and magic are spontaneously unanimous and everyone in town is nothing short of extraordinary. Well, almost everyone. Alice Alexis Queensmeadow is quite different from her fellow townsfolk: she has absolutely no color, not even a smidgen. Her lack of pigmentation has always labeled Alice as less than ordinary; until a chance of fated circumstance enables her to see just how remarkable she can be. When quick-witted Oliver seeks Alice's help to fulfill his task, the two travel to Furthermore, a world where logic and meaning is rooted in perfect nonsense. Along the way, Alice learns that extraordinary lies far beneath appearences and that being herself is is a truly remarkable feat.

Plot:

Few books revolve around a sense of whimsical wonder. Fewer still inspire meaning among their light-hearted words. Furthermore is both imaginative and important; it thrusts readers upon a magical journey while teaching them the beauty of being true to themselves. Its story weaves together familiar elements of fantasy while establishing a sense of independence from its renowned fairy-tale predecessors. I found the plot of Furthermore to be highly fantastical and meaningful, offering readers an adventure no other book could possibly offer.

Characters:

Alice Alexis Queensmeadow strikes familiarity within her readers. She offers them a lifeline of mutual encouragement, enabling them to see that the difficulties they encounter are not solely fought. Alice's journey of self-acceptance teaches readers that being extraordinary begins with staying true to yourself. However, I felt that Mafi's characters lacked complexity throughout the novel. Alice and Oliver's perspectives are largely centered on buoyant and light-hearted dispositions, often discounting a sense of contemplative seriousness. I feel that I would have enjoyed the novel a bit more if the characters were portrayed in a more versatile light.

Setting:

I found the land of Furthermore to be highly engrossing; its tone of fanciful wonder never yields in entertaining the reader. Furthermore is a world where reason defies coherence; every rule and pathway are grounded in wondering perceptions of madness. Furthermore's endearing routes of puzzlement never falters in entertaining the reader, offering its audience a journey that is impossible to forget.

Review:

I am giving Furthermore four and a half stars out of five. I really enjoyed this novel and feel that it is an appropriate read for any age audience. I would especially recommend this novel if you enjoyed Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland or The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Thanks for reading :)