The Last Unicorn, Peter S. Beagle
Originally reviewed on September 12th, 2010
Having just finished reading The Last Unicorn, I’m not at all sure what to say about it, or how I feel about it. I felt vaguely enchanted by it — not in the sense of it being twee and sweet and Disney, but in the sense of it having a hold over me. I loved the writing, the richness of it, the strange and new descriptions, e.g. “the air hung shiny as candy” — things that don’t quite make logical sense, and yet, you know what they mean.
I loved the fairytale qualities interspersed with bits of humour, with funny references, like Shmendrick knowing how to deal with Cully because he knows his Anglo-Saxon folklore, and the reference to Child — a reference I got: he collected a lot of Robin Hood ballads. I loved the bittersweetness of it, even with the humour, the way it doesn’t come out fairytale-perfect.
I might have to come back later, and say more, when it’s settled in my mind/heart.
I’ve been eyeing this classic for quite some time now, plus wanted to read it before watching the animated adaptation (have you seen it?) and I guess it’s something I’d like!
Thank you for this review, it’s not often that I can find review of older books in most blog I follow!
It’s been a while since I read it, now, but I definitely liked it. I haven’t seen the animated adaptation, but I have heard good things…