#965 of 1001 · March 23, 2023

Truthfully, I’m not sure what this book is about. If it’s a simple plot with easily digested characters and themes you want, look elsewhere. But if an elliptical slice of introspection’s what you’re after, give yourself over to Etienne Delessert’s Ashes, Ashes. The narrator of this impenetrable tale passes from the mundane world into a strange wilderness at the behest of three pale men. Others soon arrive in the mystical land, and the wanderers build a house together. After reveling in the sensory marvels of nature, the protagonist soon feels the call of the journey once more and departs, either to return home or to move on to parts unknown. Delessert weaves together his expressive text and lightly surreal art in pursuit of mood and tone. Rejecting easy interpretation, the work is wholly experimental and strangely beautiful. #mystery #wilderness #nature #book #books #childrensbooks #beautifulbook #beautifulbooks #beautifulbookcover #beautifulbookcovers #picturebook #picturebooks #picturebookillustration #picturebookillustrations #picturebookart #classicchildrensbooks #childrensbookillustration #childrensliterature #illustration #kidlit #kidsbooks #bookworm #booklover #booklovers #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #instabook #instabooks