The Ragwitch
By: Garth Nix
1. Author:
Garth Nix is a very accomplished author, having written 27 books(5 series and 5 stand-alone books). Garth Nix was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1963. He moved to the UK when he was 19 and then later joined the University of Canberra. He has accomplished many things through his life, he was a book publisher and editor, he joined the army, and worked in a book store (not in that order) before finally becoming an author himself. He now has a wife and two sons back in Australia.
2. Plot/Theme:
The story is about a boy, Paul, Paul's younger sister, Julia, and a rag doll that's alive, called the Ragwitch. When the Ragwitch takes over Julia, and begins to control her, Paul must follow them into another world. This world was once terrorized by the Ragwitch and her monster-like followers. Paul realizes that the only way to save his sister, and this world, is to destroy the Ragwitch. But the Ragwitch knows how to use a very dark and powerful kind of magic, and Paul must find other witches and wizards all across the land and gather them together in order to stop her.
3. Setting:
The Ragwitch is set in another world similar to ours, yet different in many ways. While in our world, the story is set at around the present time, but the other world seems to be set in the past, close to the Medieval Times. The atmosphere is very mysterious, and it's never perfectly clear what's going on. It's intended to be slightly confusing, but this keeps you on the edge of you seat.
4. Character:
The Character I've chosen to describe is the main character and the hero, Paul. Paul is shy and quiet, since he's used to being very dependent on his sister, Julia. He talks quite a bit about how he wishes Julia was with him, or that he'd been taken by the Ragwitch instead, because Julia was always the one that knew what to do. He's a dreamer, and very absent minded. He often worries too much about the little things and not enough about the big problems and challenges. He's not very brave and is often scared, but he's no coward; when it comes to saving Julia, he'll do what he has to do at any cost. He'd make a very loyal and trustworthy friend.
5. Review:
Though it is a strange book, it's originality only makes it more interesting. People that don't love fantasy like I do wouldn't be able to enjoy this book. It's well written and has a well thought out plot line so far. There are a few long and strangely spelt words and names, but other than that it's at an average reading level. Still, at 391 pages long, it's a daunting task for some people, and a comfortable read for others. The book is pretty good, but not great.
