My thoughts after finishing The Last Unicorn

Submitted by northern_wyvern t3_10pk9ww in books

What a book! At the end i got a feeling that few literary works have managed to bestow me.

Let me explain. I have read books that feel like marathons, worthwhile experiences yes but so long you feel exhausted when they finally end. Some on the other hand are like sweets, where they always leave you craving for more.

The Last Unicorn's ending left me feeling warm, for lack of a better word. The last chapter closes the story in a bittersweet but still satisfying way, it continues for as long as it needs to and not a page more ~perfect.

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claradox t1_j6kx7kp wrote

Thank you for reminding me to reread it.

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78FANGIRL t1_j6kyfp2 wrote

Love the book! I have a few copies, including the graphic novel. The movie is spectacular! 💖🦄

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KanadrAllegria t1_j6lphyz wrote

Ooh I also have the graphic novel. It is absolutely gorgeous. I think it might be time for a re-read. 💜

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Oudeis16 t1_j6l4va0 wrote

Have you ever read the short-story sequel? Two Hearts, I think it's called. Beagle calls it a "coda".

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kt86mi t1_j6lkzrw wrote

I wish more people knew that this book existed! There’s so many people who know about the movie but not the book! Thanks for sharing your impressions.

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FauxPleather t1_j6li0dh wrote

I have the Unicorn as a tattoo this book and movie mean so much to me 🥰

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MonsieurFizzle t1_j6ljzq4 wrote

I was able to meet Peter Beagle and have him sign a copy a while ago. One of my favorite additions to my shelf.

Also, if you liked that I'd say read Slow Regard of Silent things by Rothfuss. They have lots of similar feels to me.

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complexcarbon t1_j6lok69 wrote

Should probably read Name of the Wind first. So much context. Score on the Peter Beagle signed copy.

I really enjoyed Tamsin by PB as well. And if you like those, try Neil Gaiman.

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IndigoTrailsToo t1_j6lbw1q wrote

Next, a wizard of eathsea

The only book that can follow this masterclass work.

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infinitemortis t1_j6lix89 wrote

I loved the film. As a grown 28m I've watched it probably 5 times. It's a beautiful little gem.

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ya_tu_sabes t1_j6n22pf wrote

Every now and then, the unicorn's song plays in the background of my mind.

~im aliiiive~~ I'm aliiiiiiive ~~~~~ (flute sounds)

Iconic movie. I watched it so many times as a kid

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rockitabnormal t1_j6n7iq7 wrote

That movie to me is one of the saddest of all time. Makes me cry like a little bitch 😭

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NermalLand t1_j6m2rbc wrote

Favorite line from the book:

The magic lifted her gently as though she were a note of music and it were singing her.

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mbeagle92 t1_j6lzc1v wrote

My uncle wrote it. Dads big brother. Have t seen him in years.

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Dazzling-Ad4701 t1_j6m8rha wrote

by someone's choice, or is it not our business? there was an article about him finally winning back his copyright, sometime this year.

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mbeagle92 t1_j6mpayo wrote

Just distance and time, no drama, just busy with our own lives.

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arngard t1_j6lda0d wrote

It's a favorite of mine, too, but I struggle to describe to people why it's so special. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

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Neesatay t1_j6lpjt6 wrote

I think it is because the writing is so good. I usually enjoy books of this genre more for the story than the writing, but this one just was so beautifully written it was like a feast of language.

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HeidiKH83 t1_j6lgnd9 wrote

Oh my goodness!! I had no idea this was a book! I absolutely love the movie. You have just made my day. I can’t wait to read this.

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flimsypeaches t1_j6lbi2d wrote

such a beautiful and emotional book. it gives me a feeling that no other book has. I'm glad you got to experience it!

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hpivth t1_j6m2oh2 wrote

I watched the movie with my grandma when I was like 4 and I still remember it vividly over 30 years later. Read the book last year so amazing.

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Neesatay t1_j6lp98o wrote

I grew up watching the movie and loved it so much. When I finally read the book, it made me love the story even more. It was simply so well written. My suggestion for a book along a similar vein is Stardust by Neil Gaiman. Sort of fairy tale story, also really well written, not too long and not part of a series. After reading both books, I did a suggest me a book for similar ones and got a lot of suggestions that I did read, but none gave me quite the same feeling as these books. And bonus, Stardust also has a great film adaptation to go along...

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SailorNebula t1_j6mjd1s wrote

I feel so ignorant - I only knew the movie so far, but this post made me order the graphic novel immediately :) thank you!

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northern_wyvern OP t1_j6mn78g wrote

I'm definitely thinking about reading the graphic novel adaptation at some point too. From the few pages i've seen the artstyle seems beautiful💖

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Tylendal t1_j6n45zv wrote

I remember when I first opened that book, the first few lines hit me like a ton of bricks. There was just such a weight of mythology in them, the suggestion of a massive, eternal history of magic and power behind this creature. Like I was being shown a glimpse of some small aspect of a greater whole I'd never be able to comprehend.

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cordeliagoode t1_j6opif7 wrote

Unicorns are in the world again. No sorrow will live me as long as that joy--save one, and I thank you for that part, too.

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Oblivion2412 t1_j6ly53o wrote

That is one of my favorite books. It’s a must read that is often overlooked or forgotten.

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Dazzling-Ad4701 t1_j6m8m2k wrote

he's a remarkable writer but that one is not my favourite. I'm always pushing people to read a fine and private place.

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ok_chaos42 t1_j6mokkr wrote

I adore this book and the film is my all time favorite animated movie. I hate how Beagle was treated though.

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book_connoisseur t1_j6n5dgl wrote

Honestly I thought it was okay, but not amazing. It has a mystical vibe that’s enticing, but I thought the story itself was mediocre. I was super excited to read it based on the reviews, but it just didn’t capture me. I’m glad you loved it though!

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SillyObjectives t1_j6nwjfa wrote

I just re read this recently and I could not agree more. So completely magical. I really, really need to get the graphic novel!

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Constant-Stick2915 t1_j6ow4ea wrote

I loved the movie as a kid. I have the book on my to read list. Very similar?

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northern_wyvern OP t1_j6p0rz3 wrote

The movie is a very faithful adaptation. I'd 100% reccomend the book if you liked the movie

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