The Lives of Christopher Chant

Another in my string of DWJ rereads this fall. This is one of the most satisfying “prequels” I can think of - it explains details given in passing in the book Charmed Life while filling them out into a fully satisfying story that can be read on its own. Christopher's character arc is convincing; it's a story of overcoming a neglectful and traumatic upbringing, yet this somber subject is handled with the humor, compassion, and insight that subtly teach young readers without preaching. My only complaint is that it ends too abruptly, but that's not uncommon with Ms. Jones. Maybe it's just that I wish her books would never end.

This was my first Diana Wynne Jones book, and the one that made me crave more of her writing. Sentimental.

Reading these books again has been a pleasure and a joy. I'll probably be rating all of them five stars, thank you very much.

Great and fun light read.