Gr 9 Up—When Whimsy and Faerry meet during in-patient treatment for clinical depression, they recognize the
magic within each other but are unsure what their connection may be. Beautifully written verse and a fairy-tale
metaphor give readers a better understanding of the struggles of living with clinical depression

First, I thought the idea of the personification of Sorrow, a living being that fed off grief and fear, was stellar. When Sorrow grabs you by the throat physically, it hits different. Emotionally, I mean.

I think fairy tales plus grief are fun themes to work with. Whismy is very involved in Hoodoo practices, which get spotlighted throughout the story. I would categorize this as magical realism, which I love, because fairies are just walking around as normal. Faerry being a fairy truly altered nothing about the story; he could’ve been just a regular mortal. Also, how is a minor tatted up from head to toe?

But despite the very real conversations and symbolism of grief, clinical depression, and mental health issues, especially in Black communities, the way this story reads is so frustrating. Whismy is just a device for things to happen through. The horror-filled journey to the end of the Garden was confusing and meandering. We meet different folklore creatures or spirits throughout the journey, but none of their meetings were truly impactful to me. I did not enjoy the reading experience. I preferred the author’s other book Moth much more. However, the ending is rather fitting. Everything gets wrapped up neatly with a bow.

I’m sad I couldn’t enjoy this story. The author’s note was enlightening to read, and I’m glad she was able to put words to such tough feelings. Fairy tales do have a way of making difficult things digestible.

Others may feel differently, but these are my thoughts.

1.5 ( )