Vanya and the Wild Hunt: A Magical Journey That Leaves You Wanting More
Rating: ★★★★½
As I perused the shelves of my local library, the cover of Vanya and the Wild Hunt caught my eye. The vibrant illustrators and the whimsical title whispered promises of adventure and enchantment. I was excited to pick up this middle-grade gem by Sangu Mandanna, an author whose adult fiction has captivated my heart in the past. I knew I was in for a treat, but I didn’t expect to be left on the edge of my seat by the end!
The novel follows eleven-year-old Vanya, whose life above her family’s bookshop in Norwich is anything but ordinary. As a British Indian girl with ADHD and a unique ability to converse with books, Vanya epitomizes the struggle of feeling like an outcast in both school and her local community. Her text is a delightful mix of authenticity, humor, sass, vulnerability, and a hint of recklessness. Not to mention, her spirited personality effortlessly draws readers in as she navigates her newfound abilities amid the chaos of her family being attacked by a monster.
What truly resonates with me is how Mandanna seamlessly intertwines Vanya’s Indian identity—while it’s often just a visual marker on the surface, it plays a significant role in her self-acceptance journey. One can’t help but laugh at Vanya’s witty observations, and as someone who recalls her days of rebellious hair sporting a hefty braid, I felt a particular kinship with her!
Vanya is whisked away to the magical academy of Auramere, a world blooming with diverse folklore and mythical creatures. For those who are familiar with various cultural narratives—like Hindu Puranas—the joy of discovering familiar elements amid the new will amplify your enjoyment. The setting itself is a thrilling tapestry that has the potential to sustain a series (and let me tell you, I hope it does!). However, I was caught off guard by the cliffhanger ending, which left my heart racing for the next installment. A friendly heads-up would have been appreciated!
The pacing within the book runs a bit slowly in the first chunk—about 35%—but it quickly gains momentum, allowing the characters and plot to evolve beautifully. Mandanna’s writing style is inviting and blends well with illustrations that add a visual flair to Vanya’s adventure. I found the illustrations, particularly those of Vanya’s hair and her friend Reya, to be enchanting and well-executed.
In addition to our compelling protagonist, the side characters are diverse and engaging, each contributing uniquely to Vanya’s journey. Vanya’s interactions with her parents are particularly memorable, showcasing the warmth of familial bonds and the hilarity of lovingly ridiculous nicknames. I chuckled when her dad referred to her as ‘little Aardvark,’ a humorous play on words for my ‘desi brain’ that conjured thoughts of adrak (ginger)!
In conclusion, Vanya and the Wild Hunt is a rich and multifaceted tale that combines adventure with exquisite world-building and relatable emotional depth. I believe this story will resonate with middle-grade readers and anyone who cherishes imaginative tales filled with relatable characters and cultural diversity. Personally, it’s sparked an eagerness to learn more about folklore while also reflecting on the importance of embracing our unique identities. Remember, though—be prepared for that cliffhanger; I certainly wasn’t! Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Books, for the opportunity to experience this delightful journey. I can’t wait for the next chapter to unfold!
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