The Onion Girl

The Onion Girl (2001) Charles de Lint

First things first, this is an excellent book. It’s the Jilly book that you always wanted, getting inside her head and learning why she’s the way she is. However, I have to admit that this is one Charles de Lint book that I just don’t like to read. Every time I read this book, I find myself (mentally) yelling at Charles de Lint, “Haven’t you done ENOUGH to Jilly ALREADY?! Stop doing bad things to her already!”

The book starts with Jilly getting hit by a car. So you know things aren’t going to be good, since Charles de Lint is not one for miracles and happy endings.

The time frame switches between the present and the past, and the point of view switches between Jilly, a girl named Raylene, and Joe Crazy Dog. I won’t say anything about Raylene, because there isn’t much I can say without giving that part of the story away. So, you’ll just have to read it and figure everything out for yourself. I liked the bits with Joe Crazy Dog, because I think he’s a fascinating character, and I like reading about it, and picking up hints about his past.

As for Jilly, it’s hard to see her banged up and in pain and not her usual exuberant self. I mean, from the start here characters has always been covered in paint and flitting from one thing to the next, so it’s just wrong to see her in a hospital bed.

As with all Charles de Lint books, the writing and storytelling are excellent. My only problem is that although this story is very good, I just don’t like reading about Jilly being so unhappy. I suppose it’s because he’s given her such an awful past, that you think she deserves a happy future, even though in real like things don’t work out that way.

If you are a Charles de Lint fan, then this book is a must read. If you haven’t read Charles de Lint before, then this book might be easier to read, because you aren’t already really attached to Jilly, and mad that he’s being so mean to her. But that could just be me. Regardless, this is a must read. It’s just not a must read often.
Rating: 8/10

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