I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains by Neil Gaiman, Eddie Campbell Published by Headline on June 17, 2014
Genres: Contemporary, Fantasy, Fiction, Novella, Short Stories
Pages: 74
Format: Hardback
Source: Publisher
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Beautifully illustrated by renowned artist Eddie Campbell, this is a four-colour edition of Neil Gaiman's award-winning novelette "The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains"- a haunting story of family, the otherworld, and a search for hidden treasure.
The text of The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains was first published in the collection Stories: All New Tales (Headline, 2010). This gorgeous full-colour illustrated book version was born of a unique collaboration between writer Neil Gaiman and artist Eddie Campbell, who brought to vivid life the characters and landscape of Gaiman's story.
In August 2010, The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains was performed in the concert hall of the Sydney Opera House to a sell-out crowd - Gaiman read his tale live as Campbell's magnificent artwork was presented, scene by scene, on large screens. Narrative and art were accompanied by live music composed and performed especially for the story by the FourPlay String Quartet.
Wow! Before we even begin to review, let’s just admire the whole of The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains for the beauty and simplicity of what is an incredible book.
The artistry sets the tone and makes it impossible to imagine the characters and landscape any other way. Somehow the art work and the words mirror each other. The artwork varies dramatically, changing from ink, paint or incorporating photos into this graphic style imagery, subtly setting the tone of the words it is painted behind, creating a forbidding and isolated atmosphere – showing perfectly th wildness of the Scottish Highlands. Each picture requires time to study it before moving on and consuming the next page.
The two men set out on a journey to the cave filled with treasure that has been cursed. Along the way we discover a tragedy and a desire for revenge, as well as the idea of being careful what we wish for – what you yearn for is not necessarily what you need.
For me it was the story that lent itself to the art rather than the other way round. Both managed to tell a haunting, gripping tale, that it was a shock to reach the end. The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains is an amazing book and only one that will and can be understood if it is read.
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