THE BASICS
- Title: Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance
- Author: Ruth Emmie Lang
- Genre: Magical Realism
- Structure: Linear first-person alternating narratives
- First Line: “I have delivered over a thousand babies in my career, but one in particular stands out in my mind.”
Synopsis: Orphaned, raised by wolves, and the proud owner of a horned pig named Merlin, Weylyn Grey knew he wasn’t like other people. But when he single-handedly stopped that tornado on a stormy Christmas day in Oklahoma, he realized just how different he actually was. That tornado was the first of many strange events that seem to follow Weylyn from town to town, although he doesn’t like to take credit. As amazing as these powers may appear, they tend to manifest themselves at inopportune times and places. From freak storms to trees that appear to grow over night, Weylyn’s unique abilities are a curiosity at best and at worst, a danger to himself and the woman he loves. But Mary doesn’t care. Since Weylyn saved her from an angry wolf on her eleventh birthday, she’s known that a relationship with him isn’t without its risks, but as anyone who’s met Weylyn will tell you, once he wanders into your life, you’ll wish he’d never leave. Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance tells the story of Weylyn Grey’s life from the perspectives of the people who knew him, loved him, and even a few who thought he was just plain weird. Although he doesn’t stay in any of their lives for long, he leaves each of them with a story to tell. Stories about a boy who lives with wolves, great storms that evaporate into thin air, fireflies that make phosphorescent honey, and a house filled with spider webs and the strange man who inhabits it. There is one story, however, that Weylyn wishes he could change: his own. But first he has to muster enough courage to knock on Mary’s front door. In this warm debut novel, Ruth Emmie Lang teaches us about adventure and love in a beautifully written story full of nature and wonder.
THE GOOD
It’s taken me a year to get to this book. My husband, Josh, got to it before me and fell in love with it. So, obviously, I had to see what it was about. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I love Harry Potter and all things Wizarding World, so I’ve shied away from books with magic in the past because there’s really no comparison. Once I started diving into this book, I realized that there was no need for comparison. It’s a separate thing all on it’s own and there is a reason why people have been head-over-heels for this story.
- The writing is dipped in honey and brought to life with teeth and personality. The thing that stuck out to me most when I first began reading was the tenacity with which Lang wrote. She used so many words, metaphors, and anecdotes that most authors don’t touch. It made this a fun, witty read where each line had a life of its own.
- This is an endearing, coming of age story. I thought it was interesting that the main character’s story was told through the eyes of others. It was a casual reminder that there’s the way that we see the world and there’s a way that the world sees us. Every person we encounter has a different reality of who we are and none of them are going to be how we believe we are.
- Even though this book is a decent length, you can easily fly through it. This page-turner is one that you’ll find toting with you to different places just so you can keep pace with the story and discover what happens next.
- I think this book is filled with hearty, interesting characters. I honestly didn’t feel an affinity to one character or the other. Perhaps more with moments they experienced and that’s the pieces that made them relatable for me.
- And, hellooo, obvious reason: magic. I always find it intriguing to see how magic unfolds in different books. This magic feels less intentional at points and more about controlling situations when it starts to get out of hand. Regardless, any time there’s magic, I’m there.
THE UNFAVORABLE BITS
I don’t have many notes, which is surprising for a first novel. I will say, however, if you’re from the Harry Potter generation like me, then lower your expectations for magic. This isn’t in-your-face magic, but rather an almost supernatural superpower that’s alluded to, but never outright recognized, in the book. I went in with expectation that I’d be seeing mythical creatures and crazy spells and that’s not what this book is. It’s much more subtle than that and that’s part of the magic.
As always, I give you a heads up about strong language or graphics in case you’re sensitive, or if the person you’re recommending the book to is sensitive. This book does not have strong language or graphics.
CONCLUSION
I rate this book 5/5 stars. I think this is an endearing and heart-wrenching story, artfully written and beautifully portrayed. I love books with a little bit of magic. While the magic is more subtle, it’s an interesting aspect, especially because the story of the main character is told from the viewpoint of the people in his life. Ultimately, I think this a great read for anyone looking for a warm and unique page-turner.
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I received Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance from the Book of the Month Club. It was so great to receive personalized book recommendations at my doorstep! Honestly, I’m not sure if I would’ve picked up and experienced Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance if it wasn’t for BOTM. You can join the club here for under $15 a month!
