Review: Strange, But Wonderful
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 23, 2014
This is the second book by Beaty that I've read, and the first was packed with magic and mysticism that was woven beautifully into a memorable story. I expected to find the same thing in this second novel, and while it wasn't quite as good as my first experience with her work, Beaty didn't disappoint. The unusual setting was one of my favorite parts of the story, as I love the Caribbean and am fascinated with the traditions and cultural beliefs of those mysterious islands. I've never read much or known much about gypsies, but if Ornella is any indication, they must have some strange, amusing, and powerful traditions. This was essentially a Bildungsroman, and we watched as Hanna grew from her privileged upbringing into a woman fully able to handle adult decisions. She recognized that her actions have consequences, that the world wasn't there merely to serve her, and that life is a far more valuable thing than misplaced principles.Beaty has an enviable imagination, and the twists and turns of the story kept me turning pages even hours after I'd promised myself to put it down. That is the basis of good writing, I suppose, to engage a reader and discover something about themselves. I wouldn't say I was experiencing any revelations vicariously through Hanna, but there were definitely some "stop and think" moments that struck me. As a YA novel, it is perfect, and it will probably be enjoyable for many adults as well. The romantic elements are a bit juvenile, and some of the plot developments and dialogue are trite, but overall, it was a great story, a unique premise, and another point for Beaty as a talented writer of the genre.