2012 REVIEWS: YOUNG ADULT #4

A CORNER OF WHITE
Author: Jaclyn Moriarty
Macmillan Australia RRP $27.99
Review: Monique Mulligan

She knew this.
That philematology is the science of kissing.
That Samuel Langhorne Clemens is better known as Mark Twain.
That, originally, gold comes from the stars.

Original, entertaining, a little strange but completely mesmerising, I loved Jaclyn Moriarty’s latest book, A Corner of White. It’s the first in “The Colours of Madeleine” series and my sense is that it’s going to be a big hit among young adult/fantasy readers, as well as adults who like something a little left of centre. How to define it? Urban fantasy meets contemporary realism? Add a touch of magic and you get the idea… it’s one of those books that defies boundaries – and so it should, because that’s really the premise of the story.

I can imagine it would be difficult to create dual universes, each one with a lead character with buckets of personality and a setting that contrasts just enough to spark interest. Moriarty has done this so smoothly – if there are cracks, they are forgiveable (I can’t think of any that really stood out). This first instalment introduces Madeleine Tully, who lives in Cambridge, England (known as The World). It’s a city rich in history, both architectural and academic; it’s the city where physicist, mathematician, astronomer and philosopher Isaac Newton obtained his degree in 1665. In another world – the Kingdom of Cello – Elliot Baranski lives in Bonfire, the Farms. His world is one where seasons roam at will, bells warn of attacks from dangerous Colours and the Butterfly Child sleeps in a glass jar. As the reader finds, the Kingdom knows about The World, but The World no longer knows about the Kingdom.

Although the two teens live different lives, there are some striking similarities between them. Both have lost their fathers – Madeleine has not seen hers since she and her mother left him, while Elliot’s father is missing after a Purple attack. Both “run away” – Madeleine in the more literal sense for attention-seeking reasons, and Elliot to find his father. They’re both headstrong characters, somewhat guarded and idealistic, and mask their sadness with near-acidic wit (Madeleine) and being irreplaceable (Elliot). Madeleine lives with her mum and is home-schooled by an eccentric band of teachers, while Elliot lives within an eccentric community. Yet, they are worlds apart until the day Madeleine finds a corner of white – the slim seam of a letter – in a parking meter.

Thinking it’s a prank by a nerdy, wannabe fantasy writer, Madeleine plays along and writes back. Her letters to Elliot are tongue-in-cheek, bordering on sarcasm; he is somewhat bewildered and his responses initially focus on convincing her (or trying to) that his world is real. While she thinks it’s a laugh, Elliot is taking a big risk; cracks between the worlds must be reported “on pain of death”. In other words, he could be killed if he doesn’t tell the authorities. But when he realises that maybe his communication with the Girl-in-the-World might help him find his father (and help heal Madeleine’s sick mother), he decides it’s a risk worth taking.

With links to poetry, historical figures of note, the science behind gravity and colours, plenty of humour and a plot both fantastical and believable, the result was a delightfully refreshing read. I loved the diverse, entertaining cast of characters – they appeal to more than just young adults – with their distinct personalities. I enjoyed the way colour was infused through the story, metaphorically, literally and scientifically. The story was so well written, so carefully plotted, that I found myself pulled right into both worlds and felt sad when the book came to an end … but not for long for I know there will be a follow-up.  It wasn’t what I expected – it was far, far better!

Available from good bookstores and Pan Macmillan. This copy was courtesy of Pan Macmillan.