Our story begins on a frosty night . . .
Laylee can barely remember the happier times before her beloved mother died. Before her father, driven by grief, lost his wits (and his way) and she was left as the sole remaining mordeshoor in the village of Whichwood, destined to spend her days scrubbing the skins and souls of the dead in preparation for the afterlife. It’s become easy to forget and easier still to ignore not only her ever-increasing loneliness, but the way her overworked hands are stiffening and turning silver, just like her hair.
But soon, a pair of familiar strangers appear, and Laylee’s world is turned upside down as she rediscovers color, magic, and the healing power of friendship.
Lush and enchanting, critically-acclaimed author Tahereh Mafi weaves together an all-new magical adventure in this dark, Persian fantasy, a companion to the New York Times bestselling Furthermore.
★ "In deliciously descriptive prose, the confiding, familiar narrator directly engages the 'dear reader' with witty asides, explanatory footnotes, and cautionary warnings as Laylee’s woeful tale unfolds... Mafi uses her built world to interrogate norms and relationships in our own while never losing sight of her story. Memorable new characters experience the restorative power of friendship in this darkly fascinating, somewhat ghoulish sequel to Furthermore. −Kirkus, starred review
★ "It's Laylee's personal transformation that shines brightest, giving Mafi's singular fantasy an equally unforgettable heroine." −Booklist, starred review
★ "Whichwood, Tahereh Mafi's companion novel to Furthermore, is as absorbing as (if not more than) its predecessor.... Mafi's language choices create visually arresting moments.... Deftly explores several appealing themes, including the healing power of friendship and the resilience to overcome adversity in her whimsical, Persian-inspired fantasy world." −Shelf Awareness, starred review
I was a super-fan of Furthermore, and was very excited when I heard there would be a companion taking us to yet another magical place in this world.
I have been hearing a lot of people talking about how dark this tale is, and I think I originally felt the same way when I started reading the book. However, when I reflect on classic fairytales, those stories were also quite dark (Hello, Grimm Brothers!). Those were tales to warn children or to deter them from certain behaviors, and the last 30% of this book really delivered on that front. I am not sure if Mafi was putting out warnings to middle grade readers, adults, or both, but there were some clear messages about respect, valuing people's talents, and not discounting someone because of their age.
I enjoyed this dark and macabre journey in Whichwood. Maybe I didn't enjoy it as much as Furthermore, but I thought Mafi still brought that classic fairytale style to this tale that I loved in the first book. I loved catching up with Oliver and Alice, and I am glad that Mafi continued their journey. They were not done growing at the end of Furthermore, and I was so happy to see them continue to change and develop further in this series. I also really liked the two new friends they made. Laylee was quite complex and hardened by her circumstances. I was overjoyed, when she finally opened up! And Benyamin was such a gentle soul. I just adored him.
I saw another blogger wish to see these characters in a YA or NA setting, and I have to say, I am up for that. Mafi hinted at some romances, and I would love to see them come to fruition.
Overall: A darker look at what could happen, when we abandon respect and devalue people, filled with magic, friendship, and love.
