Seems like it's been a long time since we had any activity around here. So, without further ado I'll just drop in a few words about de Lint's new adult novel "The Mystery of Grace". First thing I want to mention is that I'm only about halfway through it. I saw the package from amazon on my stoop when I got home from work last night and went all happy inside. This new work is a departure from the Newford location that de Lint has been using for the last 15 years or so. It is set in the southwestern United States and centers on a female mechanic. One of the things I find myself doing while I read is to try to identify characters in this book with Charles' Newford crew. "Oh this is the Jilly character" or "That's the Bones character". While this is general silliness, as de Lint characters are never so cardboard cutout-y, what I do find is that, like the analogues that can be drawn from one mythology to another across cultures, there are familiar voices here. So even if you are upset about de Lint leaving Newford, you find yourself comfortable in the new town and willing to open up to new friends. I'm not sure which characters will continue into future writings, or if there will be any more novels or short stories in this setting, but I am pleased with the change in location and with the story that has all of the hallmarks of a de Lint novel that we love: The magical in the everyday, the waking up to a deeper more expansive world view, the longing for love and the value of friendship and trust.

I will probably add some more notes here once I have finished. But wanted to drop these few lines to encourage you to go get the book. It may not be Newford, but it is definitely de Lint.

Peace,
Windhawk