Review of The Truth About Elves
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Ingeborg Bothma
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Review of The Truth About Elves
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Truth About Elves" by Ekta R. Garg.]
Here is my review for The Truth About Elves by Ekta R Garg
The Truth About Elves by Ekta R Garg is a captivating and heart-warming novel that left me thoroughly enchanted. From the moment I picked it up, I was drawn into the magical world that Garg masterfully created; a world where Santa Claus, affectionately referred to as Mr. C., and his elves are given new dimensions and depths. This book is a refreshing and delightful twist on the classic holiday tales we all know and love.
The story is a unique blend of realism and fantasy. It revolves around Prerna, a diligent and endearing elf who efficiently manages operations at the Arctic Circle, and Curtis, another elf, whose journey is both poignant and inspiring. Garg’s ability to weave together the lives and backgrounds of her characters makes for an engrossing read.
One of the strongest aspects of this novel is its character development. Prerna and Curtis are complex and relatable, each dealing with their own pasts and challenges. Prerna loves a warmer climate, but we later find out that Mr. C. has assigned her to be a key person in helping Curtis reintegrate into society and begin healing from his PTSD, which was caused by a tragic event. Prerna spends a short time in his hometown where it is really cold.
Curtis leaves his family after a tragic event where he suffers loss and cannot face them because of what happened. Every year at Christmas, he spends his time alone, agonising over his loss. Mr. C. employs him as an elf during the eight years Curtis is away from his family. When Mr. C. decides to change his last shift to the fourth quarter, Curtis tries to get off this shift. Eventually, Curtis agrees to take an assignment to avoid completing his shift leading to a positive turn in his life.
The secondary characters, including Mr. and Mrs. C., add richness to the narrative. Mr. C. is portrayed as a wise and compassionate leader, while Mrs. C. is nurturing and insightful, offering unwavering support to the elves. Their genuine and often touching interactions make the reader care deeply about their fates.
At the beginning of the story, it is mentioned how Mr. C. spent the previous evening with one of the reindeer who was expecting her calf. His wife is always taking care of his diet, ensuring he stays healthy to be around for a long time. In one part of the book, she offers Prerna freshly baked cookies to try out, refusing to give Mr. C. any when he comes into her office. They were meant for the elves.
Garg’s writing is infused with humour and warmth. The light-hearted moments, especially the interactions between Prerna and her colleagues, provide a perfect balance to the more serious themes of loss and redemption. The book has a way of making you smile and tear up in equal measure.
The depiction of the Arctic Circle is vivid and enchanting. From the bustling workshop to the serene stables, every setting is described with such detail that you can almost feel the chill in the air and smell the cookies baking. It’s a perfect backdrop for a story that revolves around the magic of Christmas.
The book is well-edited and beautifully presented. The pacing is just right, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish. The transitions between different points of view are seamless, making the narrative flow effortlessly.
While I adored this book, some of the secondary characters could benefit from a bit more backstory, which would add even more depth to the already rich narrative. The book hints at a broader world outside the Arctic Circle, including the lives the elves lead when they are not on duty. Expanding on this aspect could provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the characters’ lives and the world they inhabit. For instance, in the last shift, Curtis works, he meets the elves Sydney, Sachihiro, and Bobby, with whom he spends time during the fourth quarter shift and gets to know a bit about their lives. I would have loved to learn more about these elves, as well as Shelby and Julia, who are briefly mentioned in Prerna’s office, and a few other characters, to further enrich the story.
In conclusion, The Truth About Elves is a delightful read that combines humour, heart, and a touch of magic. Ekta R. Garg has crafted a story that is both entertaining and moving, perfect for readers of all ages who are looking to recapture the wonder of the holiday season. Despite a few minor areas for improvement, the book’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, earning it a well-deserved 5-star rating. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh take on a beloved tradition.
******
The Truth About Elves
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Here is my review for The Truth About Elves by Ekta R Garg
The Truth About Elves by Ekta R Garg is a captivating and heart-warming novel that left me thoroughly enchanted. From the moment I picked it up, I was drawn into the magical world that Garg masterfully created; a world where Santa Claus, affectionately referred to as Mr. C., and his elves are given new dimensions and depths. This book is a refreshing and delightful twist on the classic holiday tales we all know and love.
The story is a unique blend of realism and fantasy. It revolves around Prerna, a diligent and endearing elf who efficiently manages operations at the Arctic Circle, and Curtis, another elf, whose journey is both poignant and inspiring. Garg’s ability to weave together the lives and backgrounds of her characters makes for an engrossing read.
One of the strongest aspects of this novel is its character development. Prerna and Curtis are complex and relatable, each dealing with their own pasts and challenges. Prerna loves a warmer climate, but we later find out that Mr. C. has assigned her to be a key person in helping Curtis reintegrate into society and begin healing from his PTSD, which was caused by a tragic event. Prerna spends a short time in his hometown where it is really cold.
Curtis leaves his family after a tragic event where he suffers loss and cannot face them because of what happened. Every year at Christmas, he spends his time alone, agonising over his loss. Mr. C. employs him as an elf during the eight years Curtis is away from his family. When Mr. C. decides to change his last shift to the fourth quarter, Curtis tries to get off this shift. Eventually, Curtis agrees to take an assignment to avoid completing his shift leading to a positive turn in his life.
The secondary characters, including Mr. and Mrs. C., add richness to the narrative. Mr. C. is portrayed as a wise and compassionate leader, while Mrs. C. is nurturing and insightful, offering unwavering support to the elves. Their genuine and often touching interactions make the reader care deeply about their fates.
At the beginning of the story, it is mentioned how Mr. C. spent the previous evening with one of the reindeer who was expecting her calf. His wife is always taking care of his diet, ensuring he stays healthy to be around for a long time. In one part of the book, she offers Prerna freshly baked cookies to try out, refusing to give Mr. C. any when he comes into her office. They were meant for the elves.
Garg’s writing is infused with humour and warmth. The light-hearted moments, especially the interactions between Prerna and her colleagues, provide a perfect balance to the more serious themes of loss and redemption. The book has a way of making you smile and tear up in equal measure.
The depiction of the Arctic Circle is vivid and enchanting. From the bustling workshop to the serene stables, every setting is described with such detail that you can almost feel the chill in the air and smell the cookies baking. It’s a perfect backdrop for a story that revolves around the magic of Christmas.
The book is well-edited and beautifully presented. The pacing is just right, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish. The transitions between different points of view are seamless, making the narrative flow effortlessly.
While I adored this book, some of the secondary characters could benefit from a bit more backstory, which would add even more depth to the already rich narrative. The book hints at a broader world outside the Arctic Circle, including the lives the elves lead when they are not on duty. Expanding on this aspect could provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the characters’ lives and the world they inhabit. For instance, in the last shift, Curtis works, he meets the elves Sydney, Sachihiro, and Bobby, with whom he spends time during the fourth quarter shift and gets to know a bit about their lives. I would have loved to learn more about these elves, as well as Shelby and Julia, who are briefly mentioned in Prerna’s office, and a few other characters, to further enrich the story.
In conclusion, The Truth About Elves is a delightful read that combines humour, heart, and a touch of magic. Ekta R. Garg has crafted a story that is both entertaining and moving, perfect for readers of all ages who are looking to recapture the wonder of the holiday season. Despite a few minor areas for improvement, the book’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, earning it a well-deserved 5-star rating. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh take on a beloved tradition.
******
The Truth About Elves
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: One Year, One Night by S.L. Roman
