John's Reviews > Trader

I read Charles de Lint's Dreams Underfoot about 20 years ago and remember how I loved the city of Newford and the characters that the author had created for that magical place. I can't understand why I never continued with his other Newford books, but I have finally returned to that amazing city in reading Trader.

Specifically, as it relates to Trader, the book was exceptional for the following reasons:

The city of Newford is a fascinating place. As I read his books, my mind explores, whether walking or driving, this place the author has created. It seems so like our own cities, but is also, so very different. Every time I read about Newford it is as if I can see that Mr. de Lint dreamt about Newford and creates the city from his recollections. And the city continues to grow as he takes us down to the Tombs, or on a stroll in Fitzhenery Park, or to have a cup of coffee at Kathryn's diner where several of my favorite characters waitress, or the art galleries, or somewhere across town. It has become a real city in any Newford fan's mind. What a fascinating idea.

The characters are so real, and many of them such as Bones, Jilly Coppercorn, and Zeffy seem to have so much wisdom that it is a pleasure to read about them. They aren't superhero characters who are always finding themselves in violent or explosive scenes. Rather, they are normal people who have to deal with an abnormal world. All the characters come to life, and each have their own distinct personality. That's what makes them so real. But how they react to unusual and magical or maybe what might be considered spiritual situations, makes for a fascinating story. "To sleep, perchance to dream," and to finally meet Bones and Jilly Poppercorn, "there's the rub."

Trader, specifically, was an extremely interesting and engaging story from the very beginning. A man wakes up to find himself in the wrong place and the wrong body. What an amazing idea. Not that the idea hasn't been thought up before, but the way de Lint describes each character and the city of Newford as this story unwinds is simply mystical.

I recommend this book wholeheartedly.