Gossamer: 05/19/10

Gossamer by Lois Lowry is the shortest novel by her I've read. It's more mood piece than a full novel. It deals with dreams, nightmares, love and abuse.

Littlest One is learning how to bestow dreams. She is assigned the home of an old woman who is fostering a child with a history of abuse. His dreams are troubled and he's a prime target of the Sinisteed who inflict nightmares.

What I love about Lowry's novels is that they are all so different: in tone, plot and setting. This one I'd classify as thoughtful (and thought provoking) fantasy. On the surface it's just the story of a dream giver learning her craft and an old woman trying to give a loving home to a troubled boy. It's also though about love and patience and their abilities to help one heal from painful experiences.

Lowry's books are typically ones that I read in one sitting and Gossamer is no exception.

Comments (6)

Comment #1: Thursday, May, 20, 2010 at 02:13:55

Alice Teh

I loved this book! Read it some time ago. :)

Comment #2: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 13:41:50

Pussreboots

It was a thought provoking and quick read. I've never been disappointed by one of Lowry's books.

Comment #3: Thursday, May, 20, 2010 at 08:18:09

Amanda Gignac

I agree with you that this is very much a mood piece. I liked it, but remember more the feel of it than the plot.

Comment #4: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 13:54:18

Pussreboots

There isn't much in the way of plot. It could be summarized in a paragraph or so. But the attention to mood makes it work.

Comment #5: Friday, May, 21, 2010 at 14:09:06

okie

I saw this book and have heard good things about it. Part of me was put off by the short size, but overall Lowry's books aren't really long.

Still, I want to check it out. It sounds like a great thoughtful read.

Comment #6: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 13:57:40

Pussreboots

It's basically a young adult novela. I think you might enjoy it. If you don't, you won't have wasted much time since it's such a quick read.