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The Tail, the Tree and the Star
Cur grows up in a bafflingly labyrinthine house, ignored by the staff, neglected by his family, and confronted daily with the odd and the impossible. Only the three house guests seem to have time for him. But are the chain-smoking historian, the wheelchair-bound old lady, and her maddeningly elusive companion other than what they seem? And as Cur tries to test the limits of the house, will the death of his grandfather hold the key to his final liberation?
Like a box of artisan chocolates, The Tail, the Tree and the Star is a book to be savoured. Some of its contents you'll find fruit-filled and sweet, some darkly bitter, some surprisingly salty. Open by candlelight, in a comfortably upholstered armchair, beside a crackling fire. No picture guide has been included.
Like a box of artisan chocolates, The Tail, the Tree and the Star is a book to be savoured. Some of its contents you'll find fruit-filled and sweet, some darkly bitter, some surprisingly salty. Open by candlelight, in a comfortably upholstered armchair, beside a crackling fire. No picture guide has been included.
385 pages, Paperback
Published November 27, 2022
3 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 16, 2023
Captivating read!
Cur or dog boy lived a solitary life even though the House was full of people, very few spoke to him and even less acknowledged his existence. From cradle to teen, Cur wonders through the ever changing layout of the House (a main 'character' in its own rights) lonely, totally neglected and as a result so backward in every stage of his development. His experiences and encounters give this book an unusual but fascinating story which can be interpreted in different ways by different readers. To me both thrilling and engrossing but also challenging, as I had to reach for the old dictionary on many occasions! Interesting characters, a dark story but brilliantly written to keep your attention and eagerness building. Great read!
Cur or dog boy lived a solitary life even though the House was full of people, very few spoke to him and even less acknowledged his existence. From cradle to teen, Cur wonders through the ever changing layout of the House (a main 'character' in its own rights) lonely, totally neglected and as a result so backward in every stage of his development. His experiences and encounters give this book an unusual but fascinating story which can be interpreted in different ways by different readers. To me both thrilling and engrossing but also challenging, as I had to reach for the old dictionary on many occasions! Interesting characters, a dark story but brilliantly written to keep your attention and eagerness building. Great read!
September 13, 2023
A Beautifully Captivating Puzzle
The story starts of with Cur a young boy who seems to live an almost feral life, forever roaming a great big house that seems to forever change and move it’s pathways and rooms so that Cur is never entirely sure of where he is. This makes it even more perplexing when he is trying to find someone like the House Guests such as the enchanting, elderly Mrs Stoat, the young beautiful Cherry or the smart but scatty Adulfin. As well as these mysterious characters he is almost entirely neglected by his family, he only sees his father and aunt on birthdays despite being in the same house and the staff all seem to ignore him too. And what about his Grandfather who is never seen but seems to be manipulating things in the background? This is a beautifully captivating fantasy where the rich language and storytelling will keep you guessing in regarding to what is actually happening. Is the story a literal or metaphorical representation of something else? Who knows. There is no precise answer given. Which I think is the point. The story like other things is subjective to what the reader sees and interprets. Admittedly I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. This is one of those books that will stay with you for months to come and is one of the best books I have read this year.
The story starts of with Cur a young boy who seems to live an almost feral life, forever roaming a great big house that seems to forever change and move it’s pathways and rooms so that Cur is never entirely sure of where he is. This makes it even more perplexing when he is trying to find someone like the House Guests such as the enchanting, elderly Mrs Stoat, the young beautiful Cherry or the smart but scatty Adulfin. As well as these mysterious characters he is almost entirely neglected by his family, he only sees his father and aunt on birthdays despite being in the same house and the staff all seem to ignore him too. And what about his Grandfather who is never seen but seems to be manipulating things in the background? This is a beautifully captivating fantasy where the rich language and storytelling will keep you guessing in regarding to what is actually happening. Is the story a literal or metaphorical representation of something else? Who knows. There is no precise answer given. Which I think is the point. The story like other things is subjective to what the reader sees and interprets. Admittedly I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. This is one of those books that will stay with you for months to come and is one of the best books I have read this year.
June 28, 2023
The Tail, the Tree and the Star, by Steven Ashford.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and wow, what an introduction. A beautifully written story, both compelling and disturbing at the same time.
I found, The Tail, the Tree and the Star, to be a fascinating read and doggedly read on to the final page.
In the opening chapters, the young character known as Cur, had me wondering what species he was as the story weaved deeper into a fantasy world.
The colourful characters along with the evolving story reminded me of stories like, The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland, and The House that Jack Built, all rolled into one. It had that vibe of the incredible. The story centres on Cur, treated like an animal and neglected by his father, Cur does what he can to survive in the weirdly labyrinthine house, his home and prison. The story stays with Cur, as he tells us, the reader, what happened through his years of growing up.
Great storytelling with descriptions wild and vivid. I could actually see this being turned into a great film. A surprise ending to an engrossing imaginative story.
Recommended.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and wow, what an introduction. A beautifully written story, both compelling and disturbing at the same time.
I found, The Tail, the Tree and the Star, to be a fascinating read and doggedly read on to the final page.
In the opening chapters, the young character known as Cur, had me wondering what species he was as the story weaved deeper into a fantasy world.
The colourful characters along with the evolving story reminded me of stories like, The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland, and The House that Jack Built, all rolled into one. It had that vibe of the incredible. The story centres on Cur, treated like an animal and neglected by his father, Cur does what he can to survive in the weirdly labyrinthine house, his home and prison. The story stays with Cur, as he tells us, the reader, what happened through his years of growing up.
Great storytelling with descriptions wild and vivid. I could actually see this being turned into a great film. A surprise ending to an engrossing imaginative story.
Recommended.
March 13, 2023
The kid's world is unbelievable: a mansion so big he keeps getting lost, odd characters who are friendly but confusing, complete lack of parenting. He admits to being somewhat feral but tells it in his own words. It's well written and carries you right along. The people in this world are quite unusual.
September 10, 2023
The Tail, the Tree and the Star-a truly fascinating read!!!
I was introduced to the author, Steven Ashford, through "The Tail, the Tree and the Star," and what a remarkable introduction it was. This is a beautifully crafted narrative that manages to be both compelling and disconcerting in equal measure.
As I delved into the pages of "The Tail, the Tree and the Star," I found myself unable to put it down, doggedly reading on until the final page. The initial chapters, centered around the young character known as Cur, left me intrigued about his true nature as the story ventured deeper into a fantastical realm.
The vibrant characters and the unfolding plot brought to mind classics like "The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland," amalgamating into a narrative that exuded an air of the extraordinary. The story revolves around Cur, a figure treated like an animal and abandoned by his father. Cur's struggle to survive within the perplexing labyrinth of his home, which serves as both refuge and prison, remains the focal point. His narration guides us through his formative years.
The storytelling is masterful, with descriptions that are both wild and vivid, making it easy to envision this tale as a compelling film. This story is rich in metaphor, offering multiple layers of interpretation. It inhabits a unique literary space with its protagonist's quest for the unattainable and the house itself becoming a character in its own right. The unexpected conclusion adds an extra layer of intrigue to this already absorbing and imaginative story.
I wholeheartedly recommend "The Tail, the Tree and the Star." It's a mesmerizing and unsettling work of literature, masterfully narrated by Cur, whose unsettling frankness juxtaposes with the dreamlike quality of his narrative. Like Cur, I felt compelled to uncover the mysteries behind his circumstances, turning the pages eagerly in search of clues. Despite its layers and what I suspect are hidden depths awaiting the curious reader, the book is a smooth and accessible read. Once you read it, you won't soon forget the experience.
I was introduced to the author, Steven Ashford, through "The Tail, the Tree and the Star," and what a remarkable introduction it was. This is a beautifully crafted narrative that manages to be both compelling and disconcerting in equal measure.
As I delved into the pages of "The Tail, the Tree and the Star," I found myself unable to put it down, doggedly reading on until the final page. The initial chapters, centered around the young character known as Cur, left me intrigued about his true nature as the story ventured deeper into a fantastical realm.
The vibrant characters and the unfolding plot brought to mind classics like "The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland," amalgamating into a narrative that exuded an air of the extraordinary. The story revolves around Cur, a figure treated like an animal and abandoned by his father. Cur's struggle to survive within the perplexing labyrinth of his home, which serves as both refuge and prison, remains the focal point. His narration guides us through his formative years.
The storytelling is masterful, with descriptions that are both wild and vivid, making it easy to envision this tale as a compelling film. This story is rich in metaphor, offering multiple layers of interpretation. It inhabits a unique literary space with its protagonist's quest for the unattainable and the house itself becoming a character in its own right. The unexpected conclusion adds an extra layer of intrigue to this already absorbing and imaginative story.
I wholeheartedly recommend "The Tail, the Tree and the Star." It's a mesmerizing and unsettling work of literature, masterfully narrated by Cur, whose unsettling frankness juxtaposes with the dreamlike quality of his narrative. Like Cur, I felt compelled to uncover the mysteries behind his circumstances, turning the pages eagerly in search of clues. Despite its layers and what I suspect are hidden depths awaiting the curious reader, the book is a smooth and accessible read. Once you read it, you won't soon forget the experience.
July 21, 2023
Having read the other reviews, I don’t quite know what to say about this book. In the main, I found it puzzling. I found it heart-rending because my heart ached for a boy who was unloved and uncared for, being left to fend for himself and totally ignored by all around him from the time he was finally able to escape from his cot and wander into the rest of the house – and what a house! I’m sure I wouldn’t have coped living in a house that was changing all the time, but somehow Cur did. Thankfully, he found friendship of sorts in three mysterious characters who had some sort of conversation with him, but were equally unsatisfying in many ways, thus adding to the boy’s confusion over what he was living with. And who is the mysterious grandfather? And how cruel was it to name the boy Cur – the name for an unkempt mongrel? No wonder he often lived up to his name – albeit unwittingly.
I really hoped I might get an ending that would aid my understanding, and it did have a proper ending of sorts, but I found myself still largely unenlightened.
Having said all that, it was compelling reading and I found it hard to put down. So, if you like stories that are confusing and puzzling, that makes you think, go for it!
I really hoped I might get an ending that would aid my understanding, and it did have a proper ending of sorts, but I found myself still largely unenlightened.
Having said all that, it was compelling reading and I found it hard to put down. So, if you like stories that are confusing and puzzling, that makes you think, go for it!
September 5, 2023
In awe of this book.
Readers are invited into the House where imagination knows no bounds. Ashford's storytelling prowess is fantastic as he crafts a narrative that leaves you trying to work the puzzles out on every page. It’s easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. The story is a fusion, blending fantasy, magic, love and mystery. It keeps the reader wanting to know more. The imagination in this book is great, the unexpected becomes the norm and the mundane transforms into the extraordinary as nothing is the same twice.
This book is plot-driven, but the author’s knack for character development is outstanding. The reader connects with Cur immediately, and his voice holds you from beginning to end. Each character is relatable, and most are endearing. Their interactions and relationships are portrayed with perfection, adding depth and authenticity to the story. As the plot unfolds, it's impossible not to become emotionally invested in Cur’s plight.
Ashford crafts prose that is elegant and verbose, but at the same time, it’s accessible—a rare combination. This is a book that reminds us of the joy of reading. It’s a star in its own right, an example of the magic found in the pages of a well-crafted story.
I will be reading this author some more.
Readers are invited into the House where imagination knows no bounds. Ashford's storytelling prowess is fantastic as he crafts a narrative that leaves you trying to work the puzzles out on every page. It’s easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. The story is a fusion, blending fantasy, magic, love and mystery. It keeps the reader wanting to know more. The imagination in this book is great, the unexpected becomes the norm and the mundane transforms into the extraordinary as nothing is the same twice.
This book is plot-driven, but the author’s knack for character development is outstanding. The reader connects with Cur immediately, and his voice holds you from beginning to end. Each character is relatable, and most are endearing. Their interactions and relationships are portrayed with perfection, adding depth and authenticity to the story. As the plot unfolds, it's impossible not to become emotionally invested in Cur’s plight.
Ashford crafts prose that is elegant and verbose, but at the same time, it’s accessible—a rare combination. This is a book that reminds us of the joy of reading. It’s a star in its own right, an example of the magic found in the pages of a well-crafted story.
I will be reading this author some more.
July 7, 2023
A Captivating Lyrical Labyrinth of a Tale
I first fell in love with this book because of the author’s extraordinary gift of expression. Just as the tale itself is full of charms, the alluring, inspired prose entices the reader through each whimsical adventure. I found myself reading certain phrases over again just for the sheer joy of it. But this book is more than the sum of its lyrical parts. It is an alluring fantasy where Cur engages the reader in unveiling his most curious youth with such glorious depth of characters and descriptive detail it incites the senses. I loved every page, every wild turn, and every illuminated character of this unique novel. I have enthusiastically recommended this book to family and friends. This is a beautiful book that will take you on an extraordinary journey smiling all the way.
I first fell in love with this book because of the author’s extraordinary gift of expression. Just as the tale itself is full of charms, the alluring, inspired prose entices the reader through each whimsical adventure. I found myself reading certain phrases over again just for the sheer joy of it. But this book is more than the sum of its lyrical parts. It is an alluring fantasy where Cur engages the reader in unveiling his most curious youth with such glorious depth of characters and descriptive detail it incites the senses. I loved every page, every wild turn, and every illuminated character of this unique novel. I have enthusiastically recommended this book to family and friends. This is a beautiful book that will take you on an extraordinary journey smiling all the way.
September 24, 2023
intriguing
The Tail, The Tree and The Star is beautifully written. The descriptive writing and the flow to the prose make it a pleasure to read. The story is intriguing, although it is not straight forward, and there are lots of mysteries to uncover. I’m not sure how to describe the book. Clearly a lot of thought has gone into it, but it isn’t a cut and dry story—it leaves the reader to make their own interpretation about the characters, and the meaning of the book. If you want an ‘easy’ read, this is probably not the book you’re looking for. But if you’re after something that’s going to make your brain work a little harder, and something that will keep you thinking and surmising about the characters and their roles in the story, then definitely give this a go.
The Tail, The Tree and The Star is beautifully written. The descriptive writing and the flow to the prose make it a pleasure to read. The story is intriguing, although it is not straight forward, and there are lots of mysteries to uncover. I’m not sure how to describe the book. Clearly a lot of thought has gone into it, but it isn’t a cut and dry story—it leaves the reader to make their own interpretation about the characters, and the meaning of the book. If you want an ‘easy’ read, this is probably not the book you’re looking for. But if you’re after something that’s going to make your brain work a little harder, and something that will keep you thinking and surmising about the characters and their roles in the story, then definitely give this a go.
July 7, 2023
MESMERISING!
I was mesmerized by Cur's story of his life. A lonely and badly neglected child, who survives mainly due to a friendship he develops with an old eccentric historian.
I love this authors writing style. It's weirdly wonderful and beautiful!
The storytelling is superb. I found it captivating, and I loved it's eccentricity. The book is full of surprises and has lots of twists and turns.
I've read one of Steven Ashford books before this one and enjoyed it immensely. This one is just as good.
Very highly recommended!
I was mesmerized by Cur's story of his life. A lonely and badly neglected child, who survives mainly due to a friendship he develops with an old eccentric historian.
I love this authors writing style. It's weirdly wonderful and beautiful!
The storytelling is superb. I found it captivating, and I loved it's eccentricity. The book is full of surprises and has lots of twists and turns.
I've read one of Steven Ashford books before this one and enjoyed it immensely. This one is just as good.
Very highly recommended!
August 31, 2023
A Thoughtprovoking and Complex Fantasy
I will warn ahead of time, this is a very mature fantasy: CW for rape, sexual activity (er sort of?), abuse.
This was... a weird read. It has very complex language and feels like a dark cross between From The Dust Returned (Ray Bradbury) due to the strange and wonderful House Guests, Pirenesi, due to The House, and then given its own twist.
I still don't know what to make of it personally, but it was masterfully written, atmospheric and kept dragging me back in.
Dark but hopeful too.
I will warn ahead of time, this is a very mature fantasy: CW for rape, sexual activity (er sort of?), abuse.
This was... a weird read. It has very complex language and feels like a dark cross between From The Dust Returned (Ray Bradbury) due to the strange and wonderful House Guests, Pirenesi, due to The House, and then given its own twist.
I still don't know what to make of it personally, but it was masterfully written, atmospheric and kept dragging me back in.
Dark but hopeful too.
July 13, 2024
Hard Work
Initially gripping and entertaining, it rapidly became a slog. I read on in hope of answers but there were none. The epilogue tries to excuse the author for wasting the reader's time and passes the blame squarely onto the reader. I shall accept that rebuke and learn from it by avoiding this author's work entirely in the future.
Initially gripping and entertaining, it rapidly became a slog. I read on in hope of answers but there were none. The epilogue tries to excuse the author for wasting the reader's time and passes the blame squarely onto the reader. I shall accept that rebuke and learn from it by avoiding this author's work entirely in the future.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews