Review: A New Labyrinth
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 4, 2011
This is a beautifully written story, that seems to be inspired by the recent (2006) movie by Guillermo del Toro, "Pan's Labyrinth." The movie is wonderful, and so is this story. Goshko brilliantly captures the perplexing ambiguity inherent in all paranormal fiction, and his treatment of it is richer in some ways than the movie's. It becomes clear that ambiguity is not quite the right word for Ashley's experience, since the alternatives are actually polyvalent: crazy/insightful, cursed/blessed, trapped/released. Goshko tries to develop a more uplifting ending out of these materials than the movie did, and this is perhaps not as satisfying as it might be. I think there is an inherent darkness that has been sidestepped here. But it is a fascinating thought experiment, however you feel about the ending.I was disappointed that the book ended when it did, but not for the usual reasons. It's just that the writing is really fine, and Goshko has managed to develop the reader's sympathy in surprising ways for a rather unprepossessing character. I REALLY wanted to spend some more time with Ashley Minden, and explore more of her worlds with her. I'm not sure a sequel is possible, but if one shows up, I will rush to read it! I will also be looking out for ANY new fiction by Benjamin Goshko.