Caraval by Stephanie Garber: A Review

Stephanie Garber’s Caraval has garnered significant attention in the young adult fantasy genre. This review delves into the enchanting world of Caraval, exploring its strengths and weaknesses, while considering its portrayal of diversity and potentially sensitive content. This review is based on a digital review copy received via NetGalley, a platform that provides pre-publication books in exchange for honest reviews.

Stepping into the World of Caraval

Caraval follows the story of Scarlett Dragna, a young woman living a sheltered life with her younger sister, Tella, under the oppressive rule of their cruel father, Governor Dragna. Scarlett dreams of escaping their bleak reality and experiencing the legendary Caraval, a magical performance where the audience participates in an elaborate game. After years of writing to the elusive Master Legend, the creator of Caraval, Scarlett finally receives an invitation, sparking a journey that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality.

The Enchanting Allure of Caraval

One of Caraval‘s greatest strengths lies in its intricate world-building. Garber creates a mesmerizing atmosphere filled with illusion and muted magic, drawing readers into a world where nothing is quite as it seems. This ambiguity extends to the characters, who possess a level of complexity and moral ambiguity rarely seen in young adult fiction. The constant twists and turns keep readers on the edge of their seats, as the narrative continuously subverts expectations.

girl in magic dress pic

Caraval’s Characters: A Mixed Bag

While the character complexity is commendable, some characters can be frustrating. Scarlett, while sympathetic in her desire to protect her sister, can be perceived as naive and indecisive. Her ability to perceive emotions as colors, while intriguing, feels inconsistent and underdeveloped. The purpose and nature of this ability are never fully explained, leaving the reader with unanswered questions.

Navigating Sensitive Themes in Caraval

Caraval deals with several sensitive themes that require careful consideration. The book includes graphic depictions of child abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and the threat of sexual assault. It also explores themes of forced marriage, violence against women, murder, suicide, and kidnapping. While these themes can add depth and realism to the story, they may be triggering for some readers. It’s crucial for readers to be aware of this content before embarking on their Caraval journey.

Representation and its Complexities in Caraval

Caraval does include people of color (POC) characters, including Julian, a brown-skinned character of Spanish descent, who serves as a love interest and one of the main secondary characters. However, the representation of these characters could be more nuanced. While Julian’s complexity aligns with other characters, his race feels underdeveloped and could have been explored further. His physical description is initially ambiguous, using terms like “tan” and “olive-skinned,” which are not definitive indicators of race.

Queer Coding and its Implications

Another area of concern is the portrayal of Governor Dragna, Scarlett and Tella’s father, who is queer-coded. While his sexuality is never explicitly stated, he exhibits stereotypically effeminate traits, such as vanity, a preoccupation with his appearance, and a fondness for perfume. This queer coding perpetuates harmful stereotypes, associating negative traits with perceived femininity and reinforcing the trope of the “Sissy Villain.”

Caraval’s Verdict: A Magical Experience, But Not Without Flaws

Caraval offers a captivating reading experience with its immersive world-building, complex characters, and thrilling plot twists. However, the book is not without its flaws. The inconsistent character development, potentially triggering content, and underdeveloped representation detract from the overall experience. While Caraval is enjoyable and entertaining, it doesn’t quite live up to the hype surrounding it.

Frequently Asked Questions about Caraval

• Is Caraval suitable for young adults?

While marketed as young adult fiction, Caraval deals with mature and potentially triggering themes. Parental guidance is recommended for younger readers.

• Is Caraval similar to The Night Circus?

Despite some surface similarities, Caraval and The Night Circus are distinct stories with different themes and narrative structures.

• What is the significance of Scarlett’s ability to see colors for emotions?

This ability remains largely unexplained within the novel, leaving its purpose and meaning open to interpretation.

If you have any other questions or would like to share your thoughts on Caraval, please leave a comment below.