Review: Gallant by V.E. Schwab
Overview:
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Predictably, I loved the writing style, atmosphere, and main character in V.E. Schwab’s newest novel. The plot may feel underdeveloped to some folks, but it was written loosely with intention. Overall, Gallant was a memorable reading experience that had an impact on me.
Content Warning:
Gallant contains death of a family member, child death, gore, body horror, abandonment, grief, self harm, bullying, emotional abuse, and mental illness.
Book Description:
Olivia Prior is an orphan who can see ghosts. Regularly bullied and left to fend for herself at the Merilance School for Girls, she sticks to the shadows where ghouls tend to creep. The only connection she has to her mother is a journal until a mysterious letter arrives inviting her to return to her family home Gallant. When she arrives, her cousin is shocked and angered. He says its too dangerous. He says she needs to leave. But Olivia has never belonged anywhere, and she is determined to uncover Gallant’s secrets and protect it from harm.
On the Writing Style:
Is there really much to be said? V.E. Schwab’s personal style is the GOAT. Always lyrical and elegant, she still somehow manages to create a one-of-a kind-atmosphere and distinct quality in each of her novels. Gallant is no exception. Her vivid depiction of the ghouls and the afterlife? Absolutely haunting. The way she intersperses the action with lyrical, 1st-person narration? Simplistic but heart-wrenching enough to make you go “come again?” Her portrayls of loneliness, grief, and belonging? Completely relatable, and yet she puts words to feelings in a way that you never could. You’ll want to cross stitch sentences onto pillows or save them as your phone lock screen. Each line feels so beautiful and intentional; they WILL follow you around long after you’ve put the book down.
On the Characters:
Olivia Prior is the stubborn, messy, passionate heroine that the middle grade genre needed. Her emotions, from anger to fear to loneliness, are big and fully-fleshed. While so many MC’s presented to younger readers are perfect in their morals, bravery, etc., she’s flawed and multi-dimensional. Olivia breaks the mold in such a spectacular, memorable way. I do think some of secondary characters fall a bit flat in comparison, but they serve the story effectively enough that it doesn’t really matter.
On the Plot and Story Development [spoilers]:
This story is a bit lighter in terms of plot development when compared to Schwab’s other fantasy novels. I would say it’s in a similar vain as The Near Witch, as opposed to Addie LaRue or The Shades of Magic series. It’s short, simple, and emphasizes atmosphere over a detailed storyline. It’s meant to prioritize s on how it makes the reader feel, not on the detailed schematics of world-building. In her own words, Schwab has made clear that Gallant is meant to be “swallow[ed] in a single gulp.” Largely, that purpose is achieved. The only moment I felt that it’s brevity does a slight disservice to the story occurs when Olivia makes the decision to sneak into the shadow world to save Matthew’s brother. It’s done almost immediately after her first journey to the other side of the wall, and without little forethought or planning (especially on the part of the adults that are supposed to be her caretakers). The abruptness of this decision made the whole situation feel a little unbelievable, and I believe it would have been more impactful if there was greater consideration given to the severity and potential consequences of Olivia’s actions.
On the Ending [spoilers]:
Without giving too much away, I would like to note that the ending alone boosted my initial rating from 3 to 4 stars. It was a slap in the face. A bittersweet tragedy, in which the main character finally makes a home for herself but still experiences such a great sense of loss. I read this book a little less than 2 months ago and the image presented in the final paragraph still remains burned into my brain.
On Who Might Enjoy Gallant:
I recommend you read this book if you:
Enjoy spooky, atmospheric books like The Near Witch, Coraline, and The Bone Houses
Are looking for an easier read (think middle-grade or entry level young adult)
Like rags-to-riches and found family tropes
PLEASE NOTE: Image sources for the photo edit on this post can be found here.