In an Absent Dream (Wayward Children) (edição 2019)

Of all the stories so far in this series I appreciate Lundy's character the most, I don't know why, but something about the slightly withdrawn bookish but still active and imaginative person appeals to me.

The rest of the novella is much as the previous ones, alternating between Lundy's home life, which is far from disfunctional but sufficient for the appeal of a doorway, and her time in the alternate world. This is a proto-typical Goblin Market, not run by goblins but any being who appreciates bargaining. The magic of market enforces Fair Value, a nebulous term but based on capacity and earnestness. Those who shirk their deals gain debts to the Market - normally gradual transformation into a bird. It's not clear what value the Market gets from the new creatures. Lundy is curious, although even answers have a price, but friendship has it's own rewards without debt.

Charming, sad, and altogether wonderful. ( )

This series can be hit or miss. but this one is a hit - I really liked the 1960's ascetic, as well as Lindy's Story. As always, there's a message, usually of be yourself or stay loyal to your friends. However, in this one, its a bit more dark. I also liked the world, although Lindy's father is correct,it doesn't allow for many choices. Overall, its a fast read, and I'm happy that Tor offered it as a free download. ( )

I didn't want to read this story because I was worried about being too attached to Lundy considering what we know about her from the first book. That said, I really loved this reimagining of the Goblin Market and I found the insight into Lundy's character much more intriguing than I expected. ( )

I'm so glad I continued reading this series even though I wasn't impressed with the first few books. This is really what I was hoping this series would be like! It was dream-like and intriguing and unsettling. Beautiful and engaging. I hope the next book in the series will be more like this one! ( )

I’ve enjoyed the last three Wayward Children books, don’t get me wrong, but this is the first book where McGuire’s really seemed to have a handle on the form. It’s smooth and clean and lovely, both in the writing and structure and world of the Market, and without the heavy didacticness or ill-fitting plots that I’ve pushed past in the other books. This is what a novella should feel like: just the right size for itself.

I think the Goblin Market’s my favourite of the portal worlds so far too. I like the fairness it contains and I like the mismatched look of the place, and I both want to have seen more of it and don’t want to, because I feel that would spoil the magic? It’s probably too bound up in these rules for me to enjoy being there myself, but all the same. And I love that Lundy’s happy there, in the time she has.

This is also quite possibly McGuire’s most nuanced take on portal fantasies yet, both because the novella’s finally gelled as a form for her and because, well, Lundy goes back and forth between her family and the Market, which gives a new lens to look on consequences and the secret horror and tragedy of portal worlds, and … there’s other stuff I’m still kind of chewing over. You’ll have to read it to understand.

So yeah, I liked it! A lot! It’s easy to read it as a stand-alone too, or at least an entry point to the series, but it’s also a strong continuation of the series if you’re following it.

8/10

To bear in mind: mid-century nuclear family thinking, paternalistic and patronising attitudes, mild body horror ( )