FORMAT: HARDCOVER (REVIEWED), DIGITAL, AUDIO | RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 3RD
Joanne Harris is a critically acclaimed, best-selling author who is best known for her ability to take old narratives and add magic and wonder to them. Previous novellas such as A Pocketful of Crows and The Blue Salt Sea took ancient tales and gave them a modern and engaging twist.
For Orfeia, that author draws inspiration from Child Ballads, which are a collection of English and Scottish folk-songs. Specifically the story of King Orpheo, which in itself is a variation of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, one that replaces Hades and the Underworld with Celtic mythology. Harris’s tale is set in the modern-day; it is the tale of Fay Orr, a woman who has recently lost both her husband and only daughter. She is a (mostly retired) professional singer and filled with grief.
A late-night run through the streets of London sends Fay on a journey into the underworld to retrieve her child from the clutches of death itself. Throughout, our protagonist doubts her own mind. The tale is told in a beautiful way, with a lyrical and mesmerising quality to text throughout. This is ably assisted by artwork from Bonnie Helen Hawkins, which is haunting and beautiful.
With its themes of grief, loss and motherhood, this book is both memorable and short. The result is something that is read quickly yet stays with you for days. Fans of the likes of Neverwhere and Pan’s Labyrinth will love this, and it’s mythic take on modern London is very well done. This is also great for those in a book club as it’s very deep but also easy to read; perfect for anyone who wants the joy of reading a good book but also doesn’t have a lot of spare time.
