Breaking
the Ice
Hazel
and Jack are best friends. For them, it
wasn’t just the games they play. They share each other’s dreams, fantasies, and
secrets. While other people do not
understand Hazel, Jack is always there for her. They are like two peas in a pod,
a friendship born of understanding and acceptance. That was until one day Jack suddenly had a
change of heart, and disappeared.
There
are things that are preventing me from completely liking this book. I felt that I should because of the
literary references Ms. Ursu curiously interweaved into her story. If you are a fairy tale fan, then you’ll have
no trouble spotting them right away.
Every now and then, a beautiful prose will emerge out of nowhere; but it
was like a tree sentinel in the middle of a desert. What I am trying to say is
that there is bleakness in the narration.
The plot was really good, and most of the characters are well-detailed. Yet, for some reason this story lacks the
vibrancy I often seek in a fairy tale.
I
need to mention that Ms. Ursu also made some good points in addressing some social
and personality issues. Socially, Hazel sees herself different. She always felt that she is flawed and
rejected, but her mother assured her that she is perfect as is. Kids need to
feel that they are accepted and loved despite any perceived inadequacy. No matter how others misconceive them, as long
as they have love as anchor, they’ll be strong.
I
guess that’s also the reason why Hazel clings to Jack so much. It is Jack who completes her; which also
bothered me a lot. She did not save Jack entirely because he needed saving. She went and saved Jack because she needs
him, she can’t function without him. It was an obsession. I cannot say it was not selfless either, because of all the trouble and danger
she went through to get to him. Whether that’s noble or not, I believe it’s for
each of us to decide.
The
adventure is a mix of meeting good and bad characters along the way. Like I said before, the references to some
old fairy tales we've read before was curiously inserted here. Characters were
briefly introduced, but definitely adequate enough to keep the story moving. I was
a tad disappointed when it was finally the Ice Queen’s turn. I was expecting
someone dynamic and blazing with fierceness, like any formidable queen should
be in my opinion.
“That's what happened on journeys. The things you find are not necessarily the ones you had gone looking for.”
My
last sentiment would be the unresolved familial issues. I was thinking if the younger readers will be
able to grasp the deeper, dismal issues of the novel. I hate to think that such crucial issues will
merely remain crucial to a young mind. I
do get that the ending is hopeful because Jack was saved and they made it back
home, but I cannot help feeling that there is a whole lot of something missing
here.
I
did like BREADCRUMBS, but I can't say that the story is something that will
stay with me for a long time. But, if you like reading fairy tales, adventures,
and coming-of-age books, give this one a try.
Book details:
Title: Breadcrumbs
Author: Anne Ursu
Publisher: Walden Pond Press
Published: September 27, 2011
Genre: Children's Books
Rating: ★★★
Posts
I already have this on my wish list largely because the colors on the cover are so pretty. And I also couldn't resist the title. It's too bad it wasn't a good as you would have hoped. But like you said, it's still worth a try so I am keeping it on my list. :D Also, blog make-over! Yay! I did one on mine too. Haha. :)
ReplyDeleteIt was the title that drew me to this book too. After I posted my thoughts, I went and checked the other reviews in Goodreads. It seems that I am in the minority; a lot of other people really liked it. You'll probably will too, let me know when you've read it. :)
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