The Last Unicorn is truly marvellous. Just like clown cars and police boxes, it has a deceptive exterior. On the outside, it appears small, being a slender standalone fantasy novel lacking the expansiveness of a multivolume saga. However, once you step inside, it reveals an enormous world filled with a wealth of everything. It is an absorbing read that draws you in with its poetic language. The author unobtrusively experiments with different literary techniques, making the story all the more engaging. It is also genuinely funny, with moments that will make you laugh out loud. Moreover, it delves into philosophical themes, making you think about deeper aspects of life. The story is affecting, tugging at your heartstrings and leaving a lasting impression. And it is reverent in its many homages to the fairy tale and romance traditions that it owes so much to and with which Peter S. Beagle is clearly in love. Overall, The Last Unicorn is a remarkable work of literature that offers a rich and rewarding reading experience.

I really didn't enjoy this book that much.

To be honest, I don't understand what all the fuss is about.

I found the story extremely boring. It just didn't capture my attention at all.

I didn't care about any of the characters, especially the unicorn.

The unicorn's character development seemed lacking, and I couldn't connect with it on any level.

Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for this book, but I could easily have skipped it without feeling like I missed out on anything.

I expected more from this book, considering all the hype it received.

However, it just didn't live up to my expectations.

I would not recommend this book to others, as I don't think they would enjoy it either.

Overall, it was a disappointing read for me.

We are not always what we seem, and hardly ever what we dream. This profound statement holds a great deal of truth. Often, we present a certain facade to the world, while our true selves may be hidden beneath. And our dreams, those lofty aspirations that we hold dear, may seem far out of reach.

This little piece is a lovely read for both young and old. The beautiful, expressive prose draws the reader in and takes them on a journey through a wonderful story. It makes us stop and think about who we really are and what we truly desire.

Whether you are a child just beginning to explore the world or an adult looking back on a lifetime of experiences, this story has something to offer. It reminds us that we should not be too quick to judge others based on their appearance or assume that we know what they are thinking or feeling.

So take a moment to read this charming piece and let it touch your heart. You may just find that it speaks to you in a way that you never expected. \\n  We are not always what we seem, and hardly ever what we dream.\\n

I’ve had The Last Unicorn on my reading list for what seems like an eternity. The movie is a beloved family classic, and my children still relish it to this day. I was thrilled to finally embark on this original tale by Peter S. Beagle.

The Last Unicorn is the enchanting story of a magnificent unicorn residing in an ancient forest. She overhears the startling news that there are no longer any living unicorns in the land.

"The unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived all alone. She was very old, though she did not know it, and she was no longer the careless color of sea foam but rather the color of snow falling on a moonlit night. But her eyes were still clear and unwearied, and she still moved like a shadow on the sea."

This revelation puzzles her, and she feels an intense urge to uncover what befell the others. Despite being warned not to leave, she ventures forth on a journey through the forest in an attempt to find all the remaining unicorns. Along the way, she encounters humans and a butterfly that informs her of the whereabouts of all the other unicorns. Subsequently, she meets Schmendrick the Magician at a carnival and Molly Grue later, and the trio makes their way towards King Haggard's castle, where it is rumored that a Red Bull monster has driven all the unicorns into the sea. Here, the unicorn may come to realize that the situation is far more perilous than she could have ever imagined.

"I have been mortal, and some part of me is mortal yet. I am full of tears and hunger and the fear of death, although I cannot weep, and I want nothing, and I cannot die. I am not like the others now, for no unicorn was ever born who could regret, but I do. I regret."

Once I managed to immerse myself in this story and acclimate to the writing style, it was truly lovely. The prose is elaborate and metaphorical, yet smooth and beautiful, and the melancholic tone is simply perfect. At times, it is almost poetical. The characters possess great depth, and I developed a fondness for all of them. In this story, they all learn valuable life lessons.

"We are not always what we seem, and hardly ever what we dream."

Since I read this with my two middle graders, it was somewhat laborious having to stop periodically for vocabulary study. However, this isn't necessarily a negative aspect. This book is very much an adult fantasy. The content is appropriate, but the way the story is crafted with adult themes makes it a better fit for older readers.

They still derived enjoyment from reading the book with me and could easily follow the main plot. It was also great fun for us to discuss the differences between the movie and the book. Watching the movie and reading the book offer two very distinct experiences. The only aspect that seemed amiss to me in this book was the world-building, which sets it apart from other fantasies I've read. It's a pity that there isn't a map included to provide an understanding of the location of everything.

Overall, this was a unique and magical fantasy that I thoroughly savored. With themes of truth, love, obsession, and loss, it is simply a beautiful story that anyone can appreciate. I can't believe I allowed this wonderful tale to languish on my shelf for so long. It's a quick read, and I'm eagerly anticipating enjoying it again in the future.

4****

I was approximately ten years old when I first saw the animated movie "The Last Unicorn". Since then, I have watched it countless times. I never truly considered that there might be a book behind it. About a year ago, when I first realized this was the case, I thought I already knew the story, so why bother reading the book. Oh, how wrong I was!

I'm extremely glad to have read it. The language in the book is extraordinarily rich in metaphors, and there are details that did not appear in the movie. It is the most beautiful prose I have ever encountered.

The story revolves around a unicorn who overhears that she is the last of her kind and decides to set out in search of the others. She meets the incompetent magician Schmendrick and the down-trodden Molly. Together, they make their way towards King Haggard's castle. The king keeps a red bull that is said to have driven all the unicorns into the sea. As the bull approaches our unicorn, Schmendrick transforms her into a human being. They take up residence in the castle, with Schmendrick serving as a court magician and Molly as a cook and scullery maid. The unicorn, now known as Lady Amalthea, quickly forgets who she is and what brought her to the castle, especially when she finally falls for Prince Lír. It is up to her companions to keep her focused on her quest.

This is the most lyrical and touching fantasy I have ever read. You simply must read it.

What a wonderful book it was! It was one of the best classic children's books that I have read, if I placed it in the right section.

I didn't expect such a hilarious story at all. Especially the beginning of the story was so excellent that I kept putting it down for fear that it would lose its flavor. It was an inspiring thing for me, and I hesitated whether to read it or not. Now I want to read it again. I will read it in its original language.

Saba Khaledi, the author of Nazy, and the delicate attention she has to the people around her, made me give this popular book as a gift to her. I wish I could be as full of joy as her. +

I can clearly understand why this particular work is regarded as such a classic in the realm of fantasy.

It was truly beneficial for me to read it in the company of others, with the constraint of reading only a few chapters each week. This unique reading approach enabled me to pay closer attention to numerous details and appreciate the minute elements in a manner that I don't typically do.

Aside from having a captivating story, Beagle has achieved a remarkable balance between the quirky, the humorous, the romantic, and the profound.

This makes the book an ideal choice for both younger and older readers alike. It has the ability to engage and entertain readers of all ages, transporting them into a world filled with wonder and excitement.

Whether you are a child just beginning to explore the world of fantasy or an adult seeking a captivating escape, this book is sure to delight and leave a lasting impression.

Reading The Last Unicorn has truly been a remarkable experience. It effortlessly transported me back to my childhood days. I vividly recall when my dear uncle would play the animated film in his video. Even now, certain parts of it remain etched in my memory. Of course, when one reads the story, it offers a whole new level of depth. There are subtleties and nuances that can only be fully appreciated through the written word. However, I do plan to purchase the DVD at some point to watch it again and relive those magical moments.

The Last Unicorn is a truly unique and captivating tale. It manages to be both heartbreaking and heartwarming simultaneously. It is a wonderful story that delves into various themes such as beauty, love, loss, personal growth, sacrifice, and hope. It is a fairytale that is not just for children but for grown-ups as well. It has the power to touch our hearts and make us reflect on the deeper aspects of life.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone. Whether you are a fan of fairytales or simply looking for a good read, The Last Unicorn is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, go ahead and pick up a copy. You won't be disappointed!

  


  “The last unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived all alone.”

Re-read 2021

There isn't much to add to this much-loved favourite of mine other than a sincere thank you to The Authoress Sya for joining me on this wonderful journey this time around.


The Last Unicorn is truly a special little tale. I have cherished it deeply since my childhood days. It encompasses several of my most beloved story elements: a captivating magician, a charming (talking) cat, thrilling adventure, an enchanting castle, fascinating mythical creatures, delightful good humour, and a truly magical atmosphere. Despite using some of the most common patterns of fairy tales and fantasy quests, The Last Unicorn manages to capture them in a unique way and make them its very own.


Molly Grue and Schmendrick are, without a doubt, among my all-time favourite characters. While I didn't hold them in such high regard as a child, I have grown to be extremely fond of them. They are outstanding characters and unforeseen heroes in their own right. They feel so alive and real, while all the other elements seem like another world and story within this tale that Molly and Schmendrick are an integral part of.


This is also one of the finest and most faithful book to movie adaptations I have ever witnessed. Although not all scenes made it into the movie, it presents a beautiful and true take on this remarkable book. While the movie treats you to wonderful song and music, the novel offers beautiful writing and unexpected wit. It's truly a delight to see Beagle list plagiarizers among evil-doers in a fairy tale.


The Last Unicorn is, without any doubt, an absolute favourite. I love and enjoy numerous stories that involve magic – but if there is any real magic in the world, it can surely be found in books such as this one. It has a special charm that keeps pulling me back, and I'm sure it will continue to do so for many more years to come.

Sometimes you just miss the boat for some books. There is a perfect age to read a given book, and for no particular reason you just never get around to it.

I remember vividly how much I liked the Rankin/Bass animated movie The Last Unicorn back in 1982, when I was just 8 years old. The movie was a magical experience for me then, although it looks painfully lame now having watched a clip on YouTube. I should have read the book right then. I would have absolutely loved it.

Peter Beagle’s prose in The Last Unicorn is truly lyrical and evocative. The book is filled with many humorous moments, especially those involving the bumbling, incompetent Schmendrick the Magician. With a name like that, what do you expect? The story also has meta-commentary on the nature of fairly tales. It is very simple, as the last unicorn leaves her enchanted forest on a quest to discover what happened to her kind. She falls in with Schmendrick and Molly, and finally encounters the villainous King Haggard, his valiant but clueless son Prince Lir, and the terrifying Red Bull that lies behind the mystery.

Beagle’s focus in the story is actually not on the last unicorn at all, but rather on the human characters around her. These characters are far more complex and conflicted than typical fairy tales allow. Schmendrick is forever striving and failing to be a competent magician. Molly has wasted many years with a band of dispirited bandits on the road. King Haggard is a grim and unhappy man who takes pleasure in only one dark secret. Prince Lir is initially lazy and indolent but later performs an ever-increasing number of valiant feats to impress the one he loves. The Red Bull is a fearsome, elemental beast that is literally larger than life and answers only to King Haggard.

The story abounds with sly anachronisms intended to be clever, like Prince Lir flipping through a magazine to pass the time. I loved the fact that the valiant prince can’t understand why he can’t impress his love by dragging home a succession of vanquished dragon heads. The best parts of the book for me were the opening chapters that introduce Mommy Fortuna’s Midnight Carnival and Schmendrick, particularly the fearsome harpy who is the only other real mythical creature. The final chapters where the protagonists confront the Red Bull and solve the mystery of the missing unicorns are also truly impressive. The writing here is so good that I found myself re-reading passages just to savor the word-play.

I started writing this review with the intent of saying what I didn’t like about the story, but I’ve done the exact opposite. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the book itself. It is a perfect story to read when you are young and romantic at heart, preferably in your early teen years. However, it is less enjoyable when you are a critical and jaded adult and have more trouble appreciating something magical. So I would give it a retroactive 5 stars if I were reading it in junior high, but only 3 stars now since it’s just not really my preferred type of book.

The first encounter I had with The Last Unicorn was as a child, which was rather fitting. It was my step-dad who introduced me to the movie. I vividly remember falling head over heels in love with the art and the music. Since then, I've made it a tradition to watch the movie once every year.

A while later, I got my hands on the book, specifically the German translation. It was truly excellent and differed from the movie in certain aspects. For instance, the story of the curse and the village before Haggard's castle was presented differently. But for a long time, it was mainly me and the movie, along with its haunting theme song by the band America.

The lyrics of the song go like this:

  When the last eagle flies
Over the last crumbling mountain
And the last lion roars
At the last dusty fountain
In the shadow of the forest
Though she may be old and worn
They will stare unbelieving
At the Last Unicorn

When the first breath of winter
Throught the flowers is icing
And you look to the north
And a pale moon is rising
And it seems like all is dying
And would leave the world to mourn
In the distance hear her laughter

Of the Last Unicorn

I'm alive! I'm alive!

When the last moon is cast
Over the last star of morning
And the future is past
Without even a last desparate warning
Then look into the sky where through
The clouds a path is formed
Look and see her how she sparkles
It's the Last Unicorn
I'm alive! I'm alive!

(Here's the opening scene of the movie for those interested https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxoJL... which beautifully incorporates some actual historic art that portrays unicorns.)

Now, our group decided to read this classic. I finally discovered just how beloved this book is and that it is truly being heralded as a true classic. I was aware that it was well-known, but I was surprised to find the author's name being mentioned alongside some of the greatest writers in the fantasy genre. Naturally, I had to re-read it, and this time, in English!

Therefore, I purchased the beautiful 40th Anniversary Edition. However, I then decided to give the audio version a try since the author himself is reading it. Although he is not a professional narrator, I have to admit that I liked his performance and the music that was included.

About the story (for those who don't know): A unicorn lives in a wood, as all unicorns do. One day, she discovers that, supposedly, she is the last one. So, she embarks on a journey through the country to find the others. Along the way, she meets various people, realizes that the belief in magic is almost lost (as she has no sense of time), is informed by a butterfly about the disappearance of her kind because of the Red Bull, gets captured for the Midnight Circus and meets Schmendrick there. This encounter also introduces the reader to another immortal mythical creature, albeit a less pleasant one. After that, Schmendrick travels with the unicorn and meets another travel companion some time later. Eventually, they arrive at King Haggard's domain and learn of a witch's curse on the town of Haggsgate, as well as the castle and Haggard's pact with the Red Bull. They even encounter the creature itself, which leads to Schmendrick unleashing magic to save the unicorn - but it doesn't turn out as anyone expected, further complicating their quest. Thus, the three live at the castle for quite a while, with Amalthea (the unicorn in human form) and the other two desperately trying to hide the truth from King Haggard and find the other unicorns. However, with a human body comes human emotions, so the cruel King and his Red Bull might not be the biggest danger the three have to face.

The story is indeed a classic fantasy quest. However, I love the beautiful language as well as the diverse characters. I have never come across another story that depicts immortal creatures in this way. It's also self-aware of the tropes of the genre (with Prince Lir and his heroic deeds, for example) and plays with them skillfully.

Ultimately, it's a story about good vs evil, friendship and love, what makes us human and what makes a life worth living. All with a touch of the most wonderful magic that brings this enchanted world to life. Truly epic.

The Last Unicorn has been an integral part of my childhood, a beloved tale passed down by my grandmother. I've devoured the book and watched the movie countless times, and they've etched themselves deeply into my soul. It's a beautiful, lyrical experience that explores themes of trickery, illusions, and the search for truth. The story follows a unicorn who discovers she may be the last of her kind and sets out on a journey with a motley crew of companions. Along the way, they face many challenges and learn important lessons about life, love, and sacrifice.

One of the things I love most about this book is the prose. Peter S. Beagle has a way with words that is truly magical. The language is rich and descriptive, and the quotes are so beautiful that I find myself scribbling them down every other page. The characters are also well-developed and relatable, each with their own flaws and virtues. The unicorn, in particular, is a fascinating character, as she goes through a transformation that changes her forever.

Another aspect of the book that I appreciate is its deconstruction of tropes. It takes classic fairytale elements and turns them on their head, creating a unique and engaging story. For example, the beautiful princess is replaced by grouchy Molly, and the powerful wizard is actually a bumbling fool. This adds a layer of depth and complexity to the story that makes it more than just a simple fairytale.

However, the book is not without its flaws. The poems and songs scattered throughout feel a bit weak compared to the regular prose, and the inclusion of modern elements may jar some readers. Additionally, the story is not for everyone. It's a slow-paced, dreamy tale that may not appeal to those looking for a more action-packed adventure. But for those who are willing to take the time to沉浸 in its world, The Last Unicorn is a truly magical experience. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page, and one that you'll want to revisit again and again.

  
    “where you are going now, few will mean you anything but evil, and a friendly heart — however foolish — may be as welcome as water one day. take me with you, for laughs, for luck, for the unknown. take me with you.”
  

the last unicorn has forever been a tale of my childhood.

It was a favorite of my grandmother’s, and I’ve read the book and watched the movie so often that I feel both have worn their own path into my soul. If I were a magician and you’d shake me too hard or I’d look for tricks to pull out of my sleeves, I’m pretty sure snippets of this story would tumble out instead of cards or rabbits.

It is such a beautiful, lyrical experience.

It deals with trickery and illusions; with what really is and what we wish to see instead. It gives you classic fairytale characters and a prophecy, only to then break the mold with both. It brings your forgotten dreams to the surface and reminds you to chase them, regardless of the outcome. It explores the transience and change of our mortal lives.

And upon my most recent reread, I wept uncontrollably at the ending.

The tears did not stop.

And though this book has moved me always, it apparently has an even more profound impact on me now that I’m older. Because I could keenly sense all those places in which life has hollowed me out, see all those moments I’ve chalked up as failures, and feel how much they still hurt.

And ‘twas as if this book gently cupped my face into its hands, pressed its forehead to my own; saw my realest self without disguise. And still found a life worth living.

Dramatically put? Very.

But I find it exciting and wonderful that a book this well-known and loved can still discover me anew. That it can still craft fresh and touching insights for me to be amazed at. There is such magic in these pages.

  “we are not always what we seem, and hardly ever what we dream.” // “it’s a rare man who is taken for what he truly is.”

The premise of this book is deceptively simple: in an unspecified magical world where butterflies still occasionally sing of taking the a-train, highwaymen longingly admire the legend of robin hood, and guards wear armor made of bottle-caps -- there lives a unicorn.

Perfectly content and happy, in her lilac wood of unending spring. But one day, she learns that she might be the last of her kind.

Rumor has it that an evil power by the name of the red bull has driven all the other unicorns away. Distraught and surprised, our unicorn sets out into the world to find others of her kind, and to release them if the story of the bull is true.

Along the way, she picks up several stragglers: schmendrick, a bumbling wizard with no real magic and a face unvisited by time or wisdom; molly grue, an outlaw with a yellowed heart who’s disillusioned with life; prince lír, a child of prophecy who by his own admission grew into a lazy, unremarkable man.

And as the unicorn tries to find and confront the evil that took her fellow unicorns captive, something happens to her that changes her and her companions irrevocably.

Because through a cruel trick of fate she becomes the lady amalthea, whose steadfast immortal heart learns intimately of the pain of love and regret.

  “you can strike your own time, and start the count anywhere. when you understand that — then any time at all will be the right time for you.”

The prose in this is so hauntingly beautiful that you will find yourself scribbling down quotes every other page. For a story that barely even includes a romance, it is probably one of the most romantic books I’ve ever read.

Peter S. Beagle has such a way with language; from the ache of raw emotion to the well-dressed requests of a silver tongue. There is such wit and charm in this, and such unveiled melancholy love for life. He can be hilariously funny one sentence, and hilariously sad the next.

The greatest skill here is undoubtedly what he puts forth through his narrative as well: that the greatness and beauty of life lies not in its unclouded perfection, but in how we choose to live and be brave in face of its unavoidable sadness, sorrow, and regret.

The unicorn, as an indescribably beautiful immortal creature almost Too Much for mere mortals to comprehend, becomes an unwitting agent of change as she chooses to look for the other unicorns.

Her forest starts experiencing the turn of the seasons; the animals there will now know the chill of winter, the cold breeze of autumn. And side-by-side with schmendrick, the unicorn can already tell what it will be like to travel with mortals, “... feeling the first spidery touch of sorrow on the inside of her skin.”

Because the companions she travels with are all unfulfilled and unhappy with their lives to some degree: schmendrick will never be a great wizard, lír will never be a great hero, and when molly first meets the unicorn, we get this harrowing exchange:

  Molly laughed with her lips flat.

“And what good is it to me that you’re here now? Where were you twenty years ago, ten years ago? How dare you, how dare you come to me now, when I am this?”

With a flap of her hand she summed herself up: barren face, desert eyes, and yellowing heart.

Still, all of them eventually end up with a choice: to do something that might cause them great pain, that might even file some part of their soul away; all in order to achieve something that they believe in.

Something that is the kind choice, the right choice, the brave choice, even it hurts you so much that it feels like your heart is tearing itself out of your chest.

And the unicorn is right there leading the pack.

  “your name is a golden bell hung in my heart. I would break my body to pieces to call you once by your name.”

There are so many little things scattered throughout this book blurring the line between reality and illusion. The unicorn has to face the fact that most people who meet her see only a pretty white mare. Not who she truly is.

And after her transformation, she forgets it herself; she truly becomes someone else. With different thoughts and goals and emotions.

People take schmendrick for a conjurer of cheap tricks; a jester and a juggler more so than a real magician. And at the end of the day, he cannot help but agree. He’s frozen in time, unable to change.

And molly, in her rags and with her dirty fingernails and her tired eyes; a raggedy middle-aged scullery maid not worth a second look. Seemingly eons past her prime, and stuck with people who don’t appreciate her.

Are we who we believe we are? What if we cannot deal with what life throws our way? How do we overcome our stagnant hearts; how do we cope with being alive in the face of unflinching reality?

At times, the story gets cheekily metatextual about its fairytale setting, but even then beagle manages to deliver it with an emotional blow to the chest:

  The unicorn was there as a star is suddenly there, moving a little way ahead of them, a sail in the dark. Molly said, “if lír is the hero, what is she?”

“That’s different. Haggard and lír and drinn and you and I — we are in a fairy tale, and must go where it goes. But she is real. She is real.”

I think this is also where my focus lay as a younger reader: I appreciated the story for its deconstruction of tropes, and the witty way it spoke of wizards and mythical creatures. Of not having the beautiful princess as a main character, but grouchy molly instead. Of the juxtaposition of schmendrick possibly being one of the most powerful wizards in the world, but unable to access that power.

In this book, prophecies do not come true because they’re prophecies: they come true to teach you about the many realities and illusions of life.

I never truly saw how much I could apply all this lyrical wonder and disarming truth to my own life; never realized that I could look back and see the many choices I made merely to avoid sorrow even if there lay love beyond.

When the truth of the matter is that pain is unavoidable; we can only choose how we rise to meet it as we invite its cousins joy and love to our door.

  “my son, your ineptitude is so vast, your incompetence so profound, that I am certain you are inhabited by greater power than I have ever known.”

This book is profoundly perfect to me precisely because it is not. But we review books here, so I feel compelled to include a section with its possible faults.

For all of beagle’s earth-shattering skill with words, the many poems and songs scattered throughout showcase him at his weakest. They feel more like a bard’s easy, go-to repertoire for by the fire, and rarely ever reach the level of his regular prose. It’s a strange contrast: the stories within the stories being the weaker link. But which ones are real?

The same goes for his inclusion of modern elements, which no doubt will feel jarring to some readers. There’s a butterfly who references many things from our modern day culture, and while the unicorn and schmendrick speak pretty convincingly in Classic Fairytale Tongue, other characters sound much more modern (looking at you and your magazines, lír).

I also think this is not the sort of story you should pick up if you are looking for a regular fantasy quest with a beginning and an end. The style is distant and dreamy; the characters are messy and meandering. You might not find any satisfying resolutions or straightforward story elements (magic system, worldbuilding, etc.) here.

Even the antagonist’s motives come not from a grander, evil, well-plotted place: they come from a heart so empty, a mind so sure of its own downfall, that the antagonist would go to any length simply to feel something.

Which I found poignant and thematic, and I was still able to root for the heroes; but I’ve also heard people say that the villain was difficult to take seriously and/or lacked depth.

And one final little tidbit that I think is a function of the time it was published in: schmendrick once describes himself as, “the last of the red-hot swamis” -- which felt so hilariously out of place that I simply shook my head and opted to ignore it.

  “as for you and your heart and the things you said and didn't say, she will remember them all when men are fairy tales in books written by rabbits.”

Conclusion: This is still one of the best books I’ve ever read.

I know I have not spoken in much detail of its story, but I honestly think that is secondary to the overall reading experience. Because at the end of the day, it’s still very much a fairytale, and I think its theme and moral are much more important than whether or not the dragon has been slain.

It is beautiful and bittersweet; its characters intimately knowable simply because you recognize them the instant they step upon the page. Its language and its brilliance have sunk into my bones; it is almost too much at times, as if my heart cannot carry its shine.

I wish my grandmother was still alive, so that I could tell her that I finally understood. But I think she would just laugh, and tell me that nothing ever ends. So maybe I will understand it again in another thirty years; and again, when I’m lucky to have another on top of that.

I will leave you with a conversation between two friends; the very same one that reminded me what it is like to be alive.

  “... why, life is short, and how many can I help or harm? I have my power at last, but the world is still too heavy for me to move, though my friend lír might think otherwise.” and he laughed again in his dream, a little sadly.

The unicorn said, “that is true. You are a man, and men can do nothing that makes any difference.” but her voice was strangely slow and burdened. She asked, “which will you choose?”

The magician laughed for a third time. “oh, it will be the kind magic, undoubtedly, because you would like it more.”

✎ 5.0 stars.