Charles de Lint Memory and Dream Uses the colorful, mythical North American
city of Newford as an artistic background. de Lint illustrates rich tapestry of myth and
magic by using painting on a deeper level, creation-as a metaphor throughout the book. Following
the life of artist Isabelle Copley, de Lint confronts head on the harsh realities of denial, abusive
relationships, suicide and ultimately, responsibility for one's own actions.
city of Newford as an artistic background. de Lint illustrates rich tapestry of myth and
magic by using painting on a deeper level, creation-as a metaphor throughout the book. Following
the life of artist Isabelle Copley, de Lint confronts head on the harsh realities of denial, abusive
relationships, suicide and ultimately, responsibility for one's own actions.
This novel reminded me of the film Night at the Museum, where the arework came to life.
The mythical structure of alive artwork brings a strong concept by portraying the artist as a form of
God, or mother by creating a form of life that will have impact on society. de Lint’s multi-voiced,
time-shifting narrative, which story spans 20 years, beautifully evokes a sense of creative community,
making it almost possible to believe that the rarified aesthetic atmosphere might well be capable of
conjuring up a spirit or two. The theme goes even deeper, as we can consider the strange connections
between reality and fantasy, and the importance of the stories we tell. The idea of the relationship
between Izzy and her numena can be understood in many ways. One of the most basic is as a
commentary about family, and the way that parents create children, and the accompanying
obligations. Another version of this theme is de Lint himself as creator; de Lint has become
more concerned with social justice over the years, as we read about the underdog, the importance
of community, and how the marginalized voices are generally given preference in Newford. Most
of these concerns grow organically from a well-told and interesting narrative.
The mythical structure of alive artwork brings a strong concept by portraying the artist as a form of
God, or mother by creating a form of life that will have impact on society. de Lint’s multi-voiced,
time-shifting narrative, which story spans 20 years, beautifully evokes a sense of creative community,
making it almost possible to believe that the rarified aesthetic atmosphere might well be capable of
conjuring up a spirit or two. The theme goes even deeper, as we can consider the strange connections
between reality and fantasy, and the importance of the stories we tell. The idea of the relationship
between Izzy and her numena can be understood in many ways. One of the most basic is as a
commentary about family, and the way that parents create children, and the accompanying
obligations. Another version of this theme is de Lint himself as creator; de Lint has become
more concerned with social justice over the years, as we read about the underdog, the importance
of community, and how the marginalized voices are generally given preference in Newford. Most
of these concerns grow organically from a well-told and interesting narrative.
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