The Far-Enough Window

by John Grant

Published by BeWrite Books

292 pages, 2002

An Uncommon Adventure

Reviewed by Chuck Gregory

Joanna lives an odd and lonely life. She spends a lot of time inside her own head -- ruminating over the events of the day -- or the previous day, or the day before that -- and trying to keep herself busy and therefore not unhappy. Not that she doesn't enjoy her life, but she really would like it if Daddy would visit more, or if she were allowed to go somewhere other than the house and grounds. It's a nice place but she can't remember ever being allowed to go out, even to the nearby village she can see from the windows. She does have Mr. Dogg (who really is a dog) to keep her company, of course. And Mrs. Ruggely (nanny/housekeeper/surrogate mother) does take awfully good care of her. Mudgett (the groundskeeper) is nice even though he doesn't say much, and he is very nice to her horse, Rapscallion. But wouldn't it be something to see some kids her own age? And wouldn't it be great if Daddy -- Aubrey -- were to pop in once in a while? But he hasn't done that much, since the day that Mommy decided to leave.

As it turns out, Joanna is about to embark on a marvelous adventure, populated by legendary and miraculous beings whose names are famous indeed. Shakespeare's characters from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" are represented, notably by Puck (Robin Goodfellow) and Oberon. So too are the old stories about the Hunt, and leprechauns and unicorns or nearly any fantastic character you have ever heard of. But in this fairyland, the color is gone. Some of the features are losing definition, fading away. A mean group of fairies called the Comelatelies have taken over and their rule is oppressive. Yet there seems some connection between the Comelatelies and the other Finefolk. Perhaps they are alter egos, alternate selves? And where have the others gone?

John Grant's story is well paced and keeps the reader intrigued from beginning to end. It would be inappropriate to read it literally, or at least from the standpoint of our accepted perception of reality. To enjoy it, you must let your imagination take flight, then follow it as Joanna leads you on a great adventure. There are many surprises, yet there is enough foreshadowing that you may figure out much of the puzzle before it is fully revealed. If that happens, you will be elated when many of your conjectures are proven true. If not, you will be surprised at what the truth really is. In either case, I predict that you will enjoy it immensely. I certainly did. | January 2003

Chuck Gregory calls himself a Renaissance Man because he has such a variety of skills and interests. He does computer consulting, writes opinion pieces and book reviews, works with mental health consumers and runs a print shop -- but still manages to read at least three books a week. He lives with his wife and two dogs in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.