Reflections: On the Magic of Writing

In more than thirty entries, the author of such groundbreaking fantasies as Dogsbody (rev. 6/77) and Howl's Moving Castle (rev. 5/86) explores her art and her peculiar childhood. As Jones told interviewer Charlie Butler shortly before her death in 2011, her books did not so much "lay" to rest things that troubled her as "overlay" them, like translations. Here are such lectures for adults as "The Heroic Ideal," a splendid analysis of Fire and Hemlock (rev. 1/85), perhaps her greatest novel. "Characterization: Advice for Young Writers" might profitably be taken to heart by authors of any age. Journal articles, reviews, and other published pieces round out a selection beautifully supplemented by a foreword from Neil Gaiman; by Butler's preface; and with lovingly incisive appreciations by Jones's two sons. There's some repetition amongst the entries, especially in accounts of a childhood marked by World War II with its emergency moves and miscellaneous terrors and by parents whose parsimony with material necessities and affection left not only emotional scars but a wealth of comical-in-retrospect stories -- and, presumably, the author's extraordinary resilience and literary resourcefulness. Whether sharing an ironic take on early "Rules" for science fiction or a scathing analysis of recent "sword and sorcery" conventions; celebrating the rewards of playing with ideas; or recounting humorous experiences that her son Colin understands were rooted in "profound sadness" -- each engrossing piece is a window into the imagination of a brilliant and treasured author. Several family photos, notes, a bibliography of Jones's books, and an index are included. joanna rudge long