Book Review – The Mystery of Grace by Charles de Lint

Title: The Mystery of Grace
Author:  Charles de Lint
Publisher:  Tor
Publish Date:  March 2009

The Mystery of Grace by Charles de Lint was quite unusual in a fantasy sense.   It was sad, interesting, thoughtful – with that odd little touch that takes is one step out of our own reality, leaving us guessing whether this kind of tale could be true or not.  Grace is a Hot Rodder – she fixes up old, classic cars.  Grace’s life seems to be moving along ok, while she misses her Abuelo – her grandfather on her father’s side – who was her Hot Rod mentor, her work at the garage keeps her relatively satisfied, though Abuelo’s death has kept her from getting out anywhere other than the garage.  Sadly, a routine stop at a local convenience/grocery lands her in the middle of a store robbery.  Her death from a gunshot is just the beginning of the story because though she has been shot and has passed on, she has passed on to an odd way station between life and whatever is to come after.

Grace’s strange journey into acceptance of her own death is an illuminating story full of imaginative insight and strange little twists.  It is also a story about letting go and moving on – detailing the extent of a mother’s love and the importance of understanding.  It is also a journey of faith, religious and otherwise.  Do we hold faith because our parents or friends do?  Is it cultural?  Or is our faith based on a personal choice or belief?

This isn’t a long story but it has many levels and each one may affect you in a different way depending on your personal experiences.  The tale’s complexity lends it to be more interesting than entertaining but engaged me nonetheless.  For those who prefer their stories to be thought-provoking, this will be a gem.  As pure entertainment Grace’s story does hold interest and is short enough to keep it throughout.  A worthwhile read.  I would like to mention that the ARC cover was quite different showing a large wooden skeleton being animated by three men – seemingly some type of priests. 

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About amberdrake

I'm a 40 year old desk jockey who amuses herself with lots and lots of reading. My favorite things in books are dragons, steampunk, wizards, comedy, and lots of action!