Stardust, a readers delight.

Go, and catch a falling star,

Get with child a mandrake root,

Tell me where all past years are,

Or who cleft the devil's foot, 

Teach me to hear mermaids singing,

Or to keep of envy's stinging,

And find

What Wind

Serves to advance and honest mind.

- John Donne 

"Stardust" By Neil Gaiman is an imagery rich, prose written, novel. The story begins in late April of 1839; when John William Draper had first photographed the moon. The Story begins from the perspective of Dunstan Thorn. Dunstan is a young man, madly in love, who lives in the city of Wall, ( human city on the boarder of Faerie). The town is named and protected by a large wall, which is guarded at all times to prevent the people of Wall from leaving. Only once a year when the market comes to town, are the residents of wall free to roam. 

Dunstan is 18 when the story begins.  He has just finished a shift as the wall guard, when he meets a vagabond in need of lodging. The vagabond pays Dunstan in gold, and in a promise of his hearts desire. Dunstan does not think twice about his hearts desire as he wonders the market in search of a gift for his love, Daisy. He finds a glass charm and makes an exchange with a Violette eyed slave girl. 

9 months later, an infant is pushed through the opening of wall. He sleeps in a cradle and is accompanied by a card introducing him as Tristan Thorn.

The Story begins again as Tristan Thorn comes of age and begins to compete for his hearts desire. Tristan is infatuated with a young lady by the name Victoria Foster. In lust Tristan Thorn promises to fetch for Victoria a star they witnessed fall. Tristan embarks on a journey deep into Faerie: a journey of discovery, surprise, magic, and destiny. 

I was unavoidably detained by this novel. The story is beautifully written with characters so full of charisma. In a quest to quench one's heart desire the self discovery can illuminate the disparity between the minds desire and the hearts. Stardust is a tale of love, loneliness, courage, and patience. It is a wonderful read, that will steal your heart and question your mind.