From the moment I cracked the spine of Maria Dahvana Headley’s novel, Magonia, I knew I would write about the time spent in that fictional world here. One week later, I’m just as enthralled and devastated by the beauty of this story. I’ve been without this book for an hour or so now, and I already miss it. In much the same way that Aza describes herself as “mostly made of mysteries,” so too, is this book.
The fantasy of it all remains gripping, the pacing steadfast, and the emotional stakes for the characters echo chapter after chapter. But within these recognizable elements of the story are the mysteries that kept me devouring every page.
What begins with a curious ailment transforms into a feather in Aza’s lung, leading to her earthly demise. The author doesn’t suffocate the reader with too many details all at once, but rather, builds the relationship between Aza and her best friend, Jason, as well as the other members of her family. This is where the greatest success of the story remains, even after Aza finds herself in Magonia, a land above the clouds filled with ships and squallwhales, pirates and promises made long ago. And within this juxtaposition between real world and fantasy, there is also the contrast between what is said and unsaid on the page, poignantly displayed within the narrative:
“I think of the note. I want to say me too. I want to say I know. I want to say I can read the gaps in your sentences. I can read the space between your letters. I know your language. It’s my language too. I want to say that.”
Upon starting this book at the urging of my own best friend, I expected to be swept up in the fantasy of it all. The cover boasts a feather and birds and a shimmering sky with an intriguing premise. I never expected this story to hurt. But I let it. Throughout the dual narration between Aza and Jason, I found myself breaking along with the characters. The grief and mourning are rendered with authenticity and specificity, which reverberates both above in Magonia and below on Earth.
Between both spaces, I found myself stung by certain sentences. I would read a few pages, set the book down, and sit with the words a few moments longer before returning to the sorrow. Within these moments, I found myself remembering why I so love storytelling. I’m not sure when I forgot, even if the time was brief.
Yet, my crumbling over fictional worlds and people reminded me why I must finish editing my own book. I think it’s every author’s dream to leave at least one reader in tears over the consequences of their creation. And certainly, I was left in a similar state while voraciously reading this story. But what’s more, now that I’ve finished this book, I feel as if my creative well has been refilled at last. Though this story is far different than my own, there were moments that spurred a new idea for my own writing.
Perhaps it was the more mundane character moments, however, that helped guide me most. The goal with DREAM CATCHERS, this work-in-progress over the last five years has always been to keep the characters and their emotional stakes and connections at the forefront. While writing, sometimes it’s difficult to let those moments shine, especially while in the editing process when it can feel self-indulgent. But maybe it’s these moments of tenderness, of imperfect people, where my book will most succeed as well. Only time will tell, I suppose.
Until then, I plan on letting this gorgeous story settle in my mind for another week before beginning the sequel, Aerie. And with this week in between, I will return to my own novel ready to continue crafting this story and characters I so love!
