The Onion Girl

By: Charles de Lint

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 19 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

In his stunning works of magic and danger in the modern world, Charles de Lint has brought an entire imaginary North American city to vivid life: Newford, where magic lights the dark streets, myths walk clothed in modern shapes, and a broad cast of extraordinary people work to keep the whole world turning. At the center of it all stands a young artist named Jilly Coppercorn, with her tangled hair and paint-splattered jeans, whose paintings capture the hidden beings that dwell in the city's shadows.

Now, at last, de Lint tells Jilly's own story; for behind the painter's fey charm lies a dark secret that she's labored to forget. "I'm the onion girl," Jilly Coppercorn says. "Pull back the layers of my life, and you won't find anything at the core. Just a broken child. A hollow girl. She's very, very good at running - but the past has come to claim her now."

©2001 Charles de Lint (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Favorite so far

I have been working my way through the Newford series. I have always loved Jilly and have enjoyed her part in the many stories. That may be why this is my favorite novel in the series so far. I didn't even mind the retelling of some parts of those stories for this work. It was so nice to get to know Jilly more and to really get inside her head. It was wonderful.

Excellent story as well as extremely well read

If you could sum up The Onion Girl in three words, what would they be?

Intriguing, engaging and different

What other book might you compare The Onion Girl to and why?

Widdershins, Dreams Underfoot, Dream and Memores, The Mystery of Grace

What about Kate Reading’s performance did you like?

Her voice works very well with both male and female characters and is pleasant to listen to.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The other side

wow

amazing followup to someplace to be flying. I ended up all night listening thoroughly recommend.

Another Great Story from Charles De Lint

I always loved returning to Newport and the characters I have grown to love. Does not matter how long in between it feels like I have never left, which take a true master writer to do. The way this book deals with both emotional healing of past childhood abuse and physical healing gives it a prospective that every story of abuse is different and they way one reacts is unique everytime. he reminds us to heal from abuse is not in revenge but in making yourself stronger.

Enchanting

De Lint's world and characters are as charming as ever, and the world he creates is somehow both mystical and believable. He does a remarkable job of blending new and old, expected and unexpected, mythological and mundane. The characters and the world(s) are fully developed in a vibrant and elaborate tapestry, with a depth that leaves the reader wanting to know more despite the satisfactory resolve.

Kate Reading's voice acting adds to the overall charm and pleasure of this book. There are quite a few characters in this story, and if some of the characters have similar voices, it is still clear whose voice she is narrating. Her clear and gentle style entice the listener to become lost in the story and forget things like, oh, the tea kettle on the stove.

I would recommend this book for those who enjoy suspending their disbelief to peer through the keyhole of one writer's view of what could be. It has strong themes of personal strength, and triumph against the odds, as well as a deep respect for the First Peoples of North America. It could also be an inspiring tale of hope for someone recovering from an accident or other health setback. Any fan of Charles de Lint's urban fantasies will enjoy hearing more about Jilly and the Dreamland.

Overall a terrific read, one I plan to play again, and possibly buy in paper format.

Too grim for me

It seems like two separate books: 1) a story of stark realism dealing with sexual abuse, life on the streets, and all the grim consequences that follow, and 2) an engaging fantasy of an alternative spiritual world of magic that I suspect is supposed to be an ameliorating counterpart to the other grim tale. But the author does a poor job of making the connections entwine in a way that holds the focus of the narrative within the double vision of the two tales. The storytelling is at its best in the fantasy world, but painful in all other respects. As much as I liked some parts of the writing, and actually wanted to know more about how things connected, I couldn't bring myself to finish it. Too much of it felt like punishment.

Suprising

I have never read anything by Charles De Lint prior to listening to The Onion Girl. It is a very good book. I was suprised at how well he mixed the faerie world into what would be considered our world. The book is dark and I saw in the reviews that it was very depressing and hard to read. I would say while it is a book that deals with dark issues it is one of hope and redemtion. You do have to stick with it to get to the hope and redemption.

The book deals with issues of sexual abuse, at times graphically but not pornagraphically so. It also deals with children living on the streets and the years work those who go through these experiences spend on healing and coping with the mental trauma related. I was nervous to read this because I have a very hard time when these issues are dealt with in a trite, superficial, or inaccurate manner. I am not an expert but did work in social work with these issues for a few years and found De Lint's interpretation to be believable and in a way healing. Many people who deal with childhood trauma turn to fantasy and science fiction as a release to live in another world. I was impressed with De Lint.

Apart from the topic, I also found the Onion Girl to be well written and captivating. It is a very interesting story that keeps you intrigued. I highly recommend this book

Powerfully moving story of turning trauma to triumph

Wow! I was expecting to be entertained. In addition to that I was moved, challenge re-think my own perspective choices and felt I was healing right along with Jilly.

This story combines magic, deep trauma, rotten luck and profound growth. It reminds us that in spite of what happens to us what we do is our choice and our responsibility. Such a rich and moving saga!

A Perfect Touch of Realistic Fantasy

I started this book long ago and never finished it. I always remembered Jilly and her friends though. I love the portrayal of the Dreamworld and "The World as it is" told in such a way that makes it almost just an arm reach away. Enchanting, even for an adult as I now reflect on it (where I was a teen when I'd started it).

Kate does a wonderful job of portraying different jobs, honing in on a splendid way of telling the listener who is speaking with such a focus that is really in the moment. I can't help but feel I'm IN the story at times.

For sure, a recommendation I'll give top praise on to friends that can appreciate as I do!

Manic Pixie Dream Girl in a 1990s goth fairy world

If you were moved by Amy Brown's dark fairy paintings between 1996-2005 and want characters explaining the story to you, you'll love it. But trite story and 2D characters in an ok fantasy world didnt age into the 2010s very well.