
My friends were reading this, some for the second time and some for the first. I decided to join in with a re-read of a book that blew my mind last November. A second read hit differently – it was just as good, just as unique, but some of the things I missed the first time became super clear. I am sure a third read will reveal even more! Now I wasn’t so focused on what was happening, I noticed the little details that make this such rich storytelling.
Star rating: 5 stars

The Starless Sea is a book of stories within stories – the short stories are all somehow related to the main story which can take a bit of figuring out. Remembering what the small stories are about helps! It is one of the most bizarre things I have ever read, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the best. Zachary Ezra Rawlins is the star of the show – he’s a college-aged protagonist, studying some sort of Game Design as a post-graduate in Vermont. He is introverted, doesn’t have many friends, but appears confident when he knows what he’s talking about. Zachary, never Zach, is absolutely the kind of character that I can really get behind. He is curious, gentle, and often sarcastic. I love a character with a great sense of humour.
There are several other characters – Dorian, Kat, Mirabel and the Keeper. It doesn’t feel like there are good and bad characters – they all have drivers and things that motivate them that feel legitimate. I really enjoyed the extracts of Kat’s diary and the dynamic between Zachary and Dorian.
The descriptions are lyrical and the sentences have a nice rhythm, I can imagine it is exceptional when read aloud. Despite the detail, it never feels like a chore to read.
With the chaos of the plot, I was really worried that the ending wouldn’t live up to the rest of the book. I shouldn’t have been! It is bittersweet, though wrapped up enough to satisfy, but definitely leaves room for more which I definitely wouldn’t say no to! Erin Morgenstern did a fantastic job and if you love dreamy, weird and wonderful books then this is not one to miss.
This is one of my friend Meaghan’s favourite books – you can check out their review at Paragraphs and Pages.
Have you read The Starless Sea? What did you think of it? Let me know in the comments!

SO happy to see this book getting the praise it deserves!!
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We love bees and cute cinnamon roll characters on this blog ❤
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This book is literally the best thing ever 🥺
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I really enjoyed this book, but I was in a mild state of confusion the entire time 😀 I definitely think I would enjoy rereading this book so I could fully enjoy it! Great Review 🙂
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I need to finish my reread but I totally agree you get so much more little details the second time around. I’m glad you love it so much, it’s a beautiful book.
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I’ve been seeing this book a lot recently, maybe I should check it out. Buttttt, am I the only one who seems not able to reread books?
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I’m sure it’s pretty common especially if you have a good memory!
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One of my favourite reads of the year! It’s so lyrical and just a beautiful story!
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It is I love it so much.
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I read this when it first came out and Loved it! I’m due for a reread to get all the details I missed the first time. I really appreciate these kinds of books it just shows so much dedication to the story and of the author
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I agree, reading it more slowly than before also helped loads
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I haven’t read it but I’m 24th in the queue to get it at the library, so I am guessing that this means it’s really good. Thanks for your review definitely has made me more excited to read it. Cool blog…i have subbed
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I hope you love it too 💗
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Thank you yes I think it’s highly likely I will, seeing as everyone else does 🙂
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This was one of my favourite recent reads. Such an intriguing, yet perplexing book.
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