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The Fourth Wall
When Marin was little and monsters chased her through nightmares, she learned to weave her own dreams. Her mother called the lucid dreaming a gift, and when an accident takes her mother and leaves her baby brother an empty shell, Marin uses this gift to spin a new reality for herself. One without time or sorrow. A world without memory.
But just when Marin thinks she’s safe in her make-believe fantasy world, the monsters come back and her dream turns to a nightmare. Something in the dream doesn’t want Marin to wake up.
In order to heal herself and her family, Marin must face the truth she's forgotten and conquer what lies behind the fourth wall.
But just when Marin thinks she’s safe in her make-believe fantasy world, the monsters come back and her dream turns to a nightmare. Something in the dream doesn’t want Marin to wake up.
In order to heal herself and her family, Marin must face the truth she's forgotten and conquer what lies behind the fourth wall.
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2014
About the author
Elizabeth Maria Naranjo
3 books207 followersElizabeth Maria Naranjo is the author of The Fourth Wall and The House on Linden Way. She lives in Tempe, Arizona, with her husband and two children.
Elizabeth's short stories and creative nonfiction have been published in Brevity Magazine, Superstition Review, Fractured Lit, Hunger Mountain, The Portland Review, Hospital Drive, Literary Mama, Motherwell, Reservoir Road, and a few other places. Her work has been nominated for The Pushcart Prize, Best American Essay, and Best of the Net.
Elizabeth's short stories and creative nonfiction have been published in Brevity Magazine, Superstition Review, Fractured Lit, Hunger Mountain, The Portland Review, Hospital Drive, Literary Mama, Motherwell, Reservoir Road, and a few other places. Her work has been nominated for The Pushcart Prize, Best American Essay, and Best of the Net.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 21, 2014
(Source: Read using Kindle Unlimited)
This was an interesting story, but it wasn’t quite what I was expecting.
Marin was an okay character and I felt really sorry for her after losing her mother the way she did, and the troubles she was having with her father and brother.
The storyline in this was good, but I did find it a bit confusing. I expected this to be a paranormal/fantasy story, but it was more like a contemporary story, and I began to wonder if the paranormal stuff was just Marin’s way of coming to terms with things, and whether there was actually anything paranormal going on at all.
There was a little bit of romance, but it was definitely only a small side-story, so don’t read this book expecting much romance, because there isn’t much at all really.
The ending to this was okay, and while I think I know what happened, I’m still a little hazy on all this paranormal stuff, and what it really meant. I did enjoy the book overall, but I also lost interest a bit towards the end, and this was mostly due to the confusion over what was really going on.
6.75 out of 10
This was an interesting story, but it wasn’t quite what I was expecting.
Marin was an okay character and I felt really sorry for her after losing her mother the way she did, and the troubles she was having with her father and brother.
The storyline in this was good, but I did find it a bit confusing. I expected this to be a paranormal/fantasy story, but it was more like a contemporary story, and I began to wonder if the paranormal stuff was just Marin’s way of coming to terms with things, and whether there was actually anything paranormal going on at all.
There was a little bit of romance, but it was definitely only a small side-story, so don’t read this book expecting much romance, because there isn’t much at all really.
The ending to this was okay, and while I think I know what happened, I’m still a little hazy on all this paranormal stuff, and what it really meant. I did enjoy the book overall, but I also lost interest a bit towards the end, and this was mostly due to the confusion over what was really going on.
6.75 out of 10
November 9, 2014
The Short:
I was very interested in reading this book since lucid dreaming has always interested me. This did not disappoint. I loved the chapters where you would go inside of Marin's dreams and see and experience what she saw. The characters were not that great, but the were enjoyable enough. This was pretty good, quick read, but not like the best book ever.
The Good:
The lucid dreams were fascination. I loved seeing exactly what Marin thought of, and the extent to her creativity. Her dreams were like the most personal thing ever, and it really showed her need for stability that she was not getting in her life.
I loved group. They all accepted each other, and they did not try to compare their problems to each other since they knew that one pain is not any worse than another. It was just a group of people who would make each other feel comfortable enough to share their deepest problems with each other not in the hopes of the problems being validated.
I loved the writing in this book. From like the first few pages I was like, wow she knows how to string words together, and make it sound good. I was very impressed.
The Bad:
The characters were good, don't get me wrong, but I never connected with any of them. Like I felt sympathy, but I could never care that much about them.
There was kind of an open ending. Like stuff happened then it was over. There was no aftermath. I have no idea how anything worked out after the "final resolution", and that is why I am hoping for a sequel or at least a novella. Like please give me a novella. That would be much appreciated.
Also, the ending was pretty predictable. I knew what was going to happen at the end from like the first few pages, and I was glad that I was correct, but still.
I was very interested in reading this book since lucid dreaming has always interested me. This did not disappoint. I loved the chapters where you would go inside of Marin's dreams and see and experience what she saw. The characters were not that great, but the were enjoyable enough. This was pretty good, quick read, but not like the best book ever.
The Good:
The lucid dreams were fascination. I loved seeing exactly what Marin thought of, and the extent to her creativity. Her dreams were like the most personal thing ever, and it really showed her need for stability that she was not getting in her life.
I loved group. They all accepted each other, and they did not try to compare their problems to each other since they knew that one pain is not any worse than another. It was just a group of people who would make each other feel comfortable enough to share their deepest problems with each other not in the hopes of the problems being validated.
I loved the writing in this book. From like the first few pages I was like, wow she knows how to string words together, and make it sound good. I was very impressed.
The Bad:
The characters were good, don't get me wrong, but I never connected with any of them. Like I felt sympathy, but I could never care that much about them.
There was kind of an open ending. Like stuff happened then it was over. There was no aftermath. I have no idea how anything worked out after the "final resolution", and that is why I am hoping for a sequel or at least a novella. Like please give me a novella. That would be much appreciated.
Also, the ending was pretty predictable. I knew what was going to happen at the end from like the first few pages, and I was glad that I was correct, but still.
September 11, 2020
Interesting
Interesting concept which I really enjoyed reading. The characters were well written and the storyline kept me engaged. I thoroughly enjoyed the story
Interesting concept which I really enjoyed reading. The characters were well written and the storyline kept me engaged. I thoroughly enjoyed the story
June 18, 2017
The Fourth Wall tells the story of Marin, a young girl who experiences vivid dreams in which she is entirely lucid. She is able to use these dreams to escape the heartbreaking reality of her life, in which she is still reeling from her mother’s sudden death, and dealing with her younger brother’s retreat into an uncommunicative state.
Marin is pulled out of her comfort zone when a school counsellor enrols her, unwillingly, in a group of her peers. Marin isn’t sure she fits in with these other troubled teens, but soon finds that she will have to leave her dream world behind if she’s going to heal both herself and her family.
This is a wonderfully written book, full of sensitive prose and strong characters. I found myself drawn to Marin and her experiences and the profound sadness of her story. I wanted desperately to see how this story unfolded, and I was not disappointed by the very fitting ending! Ultimately, this is a lovely book that is essential reading for all YA fans.
Marin is pulled out of her comfort zone when a school counsellor enrols her, unwillingly, in a group of her peers. Marin isn’t sure she fits in with these other troubled teens, but soon finds that she will have to leave her dream world behind if she’s going to heal both herself and her family.
This is a wonderfully written book, full of sensitive prose and strong characters. I found myself drawn to Marin and her experiences and the profound sadness of her story. I wanted desperately to see how this story unfolded, and I was not disappointed by the very fitting ending! Ultimately, this is a lovely book that is essential reading for all YA fans.
March 15, 2018
This novel is why I like to occasionally pick a random book to read
This novel falls outside of what I typically read, but I’m glad I stumbled across it. It’s a very well-written and inspiring story that keeps one wanting to read another page, then another chapter. The subtle descriptions in this novel were wonderful and challenged my own imagination to think harder, and deeper. I’m not sure why this author hasn’t published anything since. This was a great read.
This novel falls outside of what I typically read, but I’m glad I stumbled across it. It’s a very well-written and inspiring story that keeps one wanting to read another page, then another chapter. The subtle descriptions in this novel were wonderful and challenged my own imagination to think harder, and deeper. I’m not sure why this author hasn’t published anything since. This was a great read.
November 10, 2017
Beautiful
The language of the book is beautiful. The authors portrayal of grief was mesmerizing. This is one of the few books I would re- read. I think teens, young adults and adults would enjoy this book.
The language of the book is beautiful. The authors portrayal of grief was mesmerizing. This is one of the few books I would re- read. I think teens, young adults and adults would enjoy this book.
September 14, 2018
Great novel that shows the importance and influence of dreams on every day life. A story that accurately impresses on the reader the toil the death of a parent can take on a child's life. I found the dream sequences extremely imaginative and effective.
April 14, 2018
Just ok for me
This story took place mostly in Marin's mind. It might speak to someone else differently, but I found it hard to stay interested.
This story took place mostly in Marin's mind. It might speak to someone else differently, but I found it hard to stay interested.
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March 8, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/8/2021)! 🎁
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April 28, 2024Reread this today in honor of its upcoming 10th anniversary. It is still beautiful to me. I wouldn't change a thing.
July 10, 2016
15-year-old Marin has been lucid dreaming since she was little, when her mother told her that her ability to control her dreamscape was a gift. After a tragic accident claims her mother's life, she uses her power over her dreams to create a fantasyland to escape into. In addition, her mother's death has caused her baby brother to regress inexplicably, while her father struggles to care for them both alone.
When she's advised by a counselor to join group therapy at school, Marin is initially skeptical. Meanwhile, the fantasyland in her dream soon turns into a nightmare as monsters invade, trying to keep her from something... something whose consequences could touch the real world.
Elizabeth Maria Naranjo's YA novel THE FOURTH WALL is nothing short of mesmerizing. Every sentence feels like it was spun from fine silk and woven together into a flowing, hypnotic tapestry. There's a rhythm and a poetry to the writing, which truly sings through gorgeously arranged words.
It's hard to pick a sub-genre within YA for this book because of the dual storylines--the real world Marin lives in and the fantasyland she dreams in. Much of the novel is about how Marin handles the double grief of losing her mother and handling her brother's new developmental challenges. A mature and quiet teen, she struggles to heal herself while trying not to burden anyone else. Her emotions and inner turmoil really come alive on the page, until you're there with her, remembering her mother and experiencing her sorrow and confusion as much as she is. The heavy burdens she carries have caused her to withdraw, and throughout the book, you watch as bit by bit, she begins coming out of her shell and taking control of her own life again.
The book also intersperses fantastical scenes from Marin's dreams amid her attempts to get through her daily life. These dream sequences parallel her real world struggles, eventually leading to an unexpected and rather devastating twist.
A gorgeously rendered exploration of grief, THE FOURTH WALL comes to life and pulls you into Marin's journey. Everything about it is well crafted--the narrative, the dialogue, the characters, the plot. I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer poetic quality of this book, and I highly recommend it.
When she's advised by a counselor to join group therapy at school, Marin is initially skeptical. Meanwhile, the fantasyland in her dream soon turns into a nightmare as monsters invade, trying to keep her from something... something whose consequences could touch the real world.
Elizabeth Maria Naranjo's YA novel THE FOURTH WALL is nothing short of mesmerizing. Every sentence feels like it was spun from fine silk and woven together into a flowing, hypnotic tapestry. There's a rhythm and a poetry to the writing, which truly sings through gorgeously arranged words.
It's hard to pick a sub-genre within YA for this book because of the dual storylines--the real world Marin lives in and the fantasyland she dreams in. Much of the novel is about how Marin handles the double grief of losing her mother and handling her brother's new developmental challenges. A mature and quiet teen, she struggles to heal herself while trying not to burden anyone else. Her emotions and inner turmoil really come alive on the page, until you're there with her, remembering her mother and experiencing her sorrow and confusion as much as she is. The heavy burdens she carries have caused her to withdraw, and throughout the book, you watch as bit by bit, she begins coming out of her shell and taking control of her own life again.
The book also intersperses fantastical scenes from Marin's dreams amid her attempts to get through her daily life. These dream sequences parallel her real world struggles, eventually leading to an unexpected and rather devastating twist.
A gorgeously rendered exploration of grief, THE FOURTH WALL comes to life and pulls you into Marin's journey. Everything about it is well crafted--the narrative, the dialogue, the characters, the plot. I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer poetic quality of this book, and I highly recommend it.
August 2, 2014
"Her mother once called it a gift. Ten years ago, when Marin was five, a little girl with a big imagination and a closet full of monsters. At night she could dream them to life. She watched them creep from corners and spun them down through in her consciousness in all their wretched glory."
From the opening pages of The Fourth Wall, the author's powerful use of imagery drew me in. I felt like I could physically feel the ache of loss permeating through Marin's entire being. I wanted to weep for both Marin and her father, worn thin by their circumstances but determined to care for Michael, Marin's brother who withdrew into himself emotionally and physically after the death of Marin's mother.
For the most part, The Fourth Wall alternates between chapters reflecting the dream world Marin has created for herself (this is where the descriptions are the most vivid, with a cougar, an elf, a foreboding forest and crashing waves) and what's happening in the real world as Marin navigates her way through a new school, determined to keep to herself and help out at home as much as she can. Soon, though, much to Marin's chagrin, she is invited to attend group therapy sessions with a counselor and several of her classmates at school (including a charming boy named Frankie), and both of Marin's worlds begin to shift and change.
Both Marin and her father, Tom, are very realistic and likable characters. In fact, what I liked most about the books was the character development. The main characters are well-rounded and you know enough about them that you can actually close your eyes and picture what they might look like. I also found myself rooting for Michael to get better and start showing signs of progress, and when I actually found out what was causing him to withdraw, it was a total surprise to me and one that I did not see coming. The Fourth Wall is classified as YA but it has a universal appeal. I can easily see both adults and teens picking it up and finding themselves mesmerized in the story.
From the opening pages of The Fourth Wall, the author's powerful use of imagery drew me in. I felt like I could physically feel the ache of loss permeating through Marin's entire being. I wanted to weep for both Marin and her father, worn thin by their circumstances but determined to care for Michael, Marin's brother who withdrew into himself emotionally and physically after the death of Marin's mother.
For the most part, The Fourth Wall alternates between chapters reflecting the dream world Marin has created for herself (this is where the descriptions are the most vivid, with a cougar, an elf, a foreboding forest and crashing waves) and what's happening in the real world as Marin navigates her way through a new school, determined to keep to herself and help out at home as much as she can. Soon, though, much to Marin's chagrin, she is invited to attend group therapy sessions with a counselor and several of her classmates at school (including a charming boy named Frankie), and both of Marin's worlds begin to shift and change.
Both Marin and her father, Tom, are very realistic and likable characters. In fact, what I liked most about the books was the character development. The main characters are well-rounded and you know enough about them that you can actually close your eyes and picture what they might look like. I also found myself rooting for Michael to get better and start showing signs of progress, and when I actually found out what was causing him to withdraw, it was a total surprise to me and one that I did not see coming. The Fourth Wall is classified as YA but it has a universal appeal. I can easily see both adults and teens picking it up and finding themselves mesmerized in the story.
August 20, 2014
Wow!
The Fourth Wall is one of those books where I read the blurb and think I know what I'm getting into but once I start reading, I have no idea! This is a good thing! After a while of reading similar books, The Fourth Wall is a welcoming change. If I had to tell someone what it was about, I'd tell them "it's about a young girl cursed or blessed (depending on how you view it) with the gift/curse of lucid dreaming to overcome the death of her mother and her broken family". In a nutshell that's exactly what it is. Though I feel like I'd be leaving out a chunk of what makes this book so unique.
Ms. Naranjo's young adult novel features a YA protagonist but some very mature subject matter with death, mourning and moving on. There are small elements of fantasy in our protagonist Marin's dreams. Although I'm a huge fantasy fan who loves the all out fantastical elements, the way it was used here was a companion to the Marin's inner struggle rather than leading the story. Let me tell you, it fit. The true champion in this tale is the Marin's journey to trusting others and facing the everyday with school, schoolmates and family interactions.
I love the way Ms. Maranjo wrote this story with such detail and emotion that made me feel what the characters felt and I rooted for them to overcome their tragedy. I'm looking forward to seeing wha tother stories she has up her writer sleeve!
Fans of realistic fiction would love to dive into this book especially if they are looking for a YA book that falls in the realistic fiction genre.
Content Warning: Some adult language and adult themes
The Fourth Wall is one of those books where I read the blurb and think I know what I'm getting into but once I start reading, I have no idea! This is a good thing! After a while of reading similar books, The Fourth Wall is a welcoming change. If I had to tell someone what it was about, I'd tell them "it's about a young girl cursed or blessed (depending on how you view it) with the gift/curse of lucid dreaming to overcome the death of her mother and her broken family". In a nutshell that's exactly what it is. Though I feel like I'd be leaving out a chunk of what makes this book so unique.
Ms. Naranjo's young adult novel features a YA protagonist but some very mature subject matter with death, mourning and moving on. There are small elements of fantasy in our protagonist Marin's dreams. Although I'm a huge fantasy fan who loves the all out fantastical elements, the way it was used here was a companion to the Marin's inner struggle rather than leading the story. Let me tell you, it fit. The true champion in this tale is the Marin's journey to trusting others and facing the everyday with school, schoolmates and family interactions.
I love the way Ms. Maranjo wrote this story with such detail and emotion that made me feel what the characters felt and I rooted for them to overcome their tragedy. I'm looking forward to seeing wha tother stories she has up her writer sleeve!
Fans of realistic fiction would love to dive into this book especially if they are looking for a YA book that falls in the realistic fiction genre.
Content Warning: Some adult language and adult themes
August 25, 2014
In THE FOURTH WALL, Elizabeth Maria Naranjo gives readers a touching and creative meditation on the nature of grief and emotional healing.
Marin has always had a unique dream life. She has the gift of lucid dreaming, meaning she is fully aware as she dreams and able to take action. After a car accident takes her mother's life and leaves her family in tatters, her dreams offer solace and sanctuary. This is fine until the unexpected intervention of a school psychologist--and contact with peers who are each damaged in his or her own way--makes Marin consider that maybe, just maybe, there's something for her back in the real world, though it means dealing with her pain and confusion. Only by now, her dream world has become a reality in its own right, and it won't set her free easily.
Naranjo's characters are rich and real, with a psychological complexity usual in YA fiction. There's a lyrical quality to her writing that echoes Marin's dreams. Reality and fantasy co-exist flawlessly. The ending is a huge surprise, yet there's so much raw emotional truth in Marin's experience, this resolution is both believable and satisfying.
There is nothing generic about this paranormal YA novel. It is a young adult's story told with depth and compassion. Naranjo's fantasy throws reality into stark relief so that, through the whirl and tumble of Marin's dreams, we more fully understand her and ourselves.
Marin has always had a unique dream life. She has the gift of lucid dreaming, meaning she is fully aware as she dreams and able to take action. After a car accident takes her mother's life and leaves her family in tatters, her dreams offer solace and sanctuary. This is fine until the unexpected intervention of a school psychologist--and contact with peers who are each damaged in his or her own way--makes Marin consider that maybe, just maybe, there's something for her back in the real world, though it means dealing with her pain and confusion. Only by now, her dream world has become a reality in its own right, and it won't set her free easily.
Naranjo's characters are rich and real, with a psychological complexity usual in YA fiction. There's a lyrical quality to her writing that echoes Marin's dreams. Reality and fantasy co-exist flawlessly. The ending is a huge surprise, yet there's so much raw emotional truth in Marin's experience, this resolution is both believable and satisfying.
There is nothing generic about this paranormal YA novel. It is a young adult's story told with depth and compassion. Naranjo's fantasy throws reality into stark relief so that, through the whirl and tumble of Marin's dreams, we more fully understand her and ourselves.
June 16, 2014
The Fourth Wall is listed as YA but deals with some very grown up topics. I really struggled through the first few chapters. Not because they weren’t well written. Elizabeth’s writing is gorgeous with just the right amount of description and dialogue. The reason I struggled was the reality of her writing. She drew me into the Marin’s life in such a way I found myself wondering “what if” about my own life.
It’s quite a gift to write fantasy so well it wraps itself around reality. There were times I set down The Fourth Wall and had the same feeling I do when waking from an all too real dream. I felt unsettled and somewhat confused. When Marin hurt, I hurt. I longed to hug the little girl and offer her consolation and love. Naranjo writes her characters with such dimension and depth of character. She has quite a gift for writing.
The Fourth Wall is Naranjo’s debut novel but I am certain (hint hint) she will have many more publications in her future. Her writing is unique and I can’t think of any author to compare it to. I can say with certainty you’ll enjoy the read and be longing for more!
It’s quite a gift to write fantasy so well it wraps itself around reality. There were times I set down The Fourth Wall and had the same feeling I do when waking from an all too real dream. I felt unsettled and somewhat confused. When Marin hurt, I hurt. I longed to hug the little girl and offer her consolation and love. Naranjo writes her characters with such dimension and depth of character. She has quite a gift for writing.
The Fourth Wall is Naranjo’s debut novel but I am certain (hint hint) she will have many more publications in her future. Her writing is unique and I can’t think of any author to compare it to. I can say with certainty you’ll enjoy the read and be longing for more!
December 1, 2014
This story was beautifully written. What an amazing debut! The characters were so believable, I almost felt like an intruder into their very realistic lives. There is nothing more you could ask for, as a reader, than to be so engrossed you have an emotional stake in the lives of the characters, of the story.
There were a few different spots, however, within Marin's dream state that tripped me up as to whether she had woken up, or exactly where she was or which state she was in. Even still, it took nothing away from the story or the feelings I took away from this strong debut novel.
A couple of my favorite passages:
"What struck him the other night when she'd crossed her last important milestone of childhood, was not how close she was to becoming a woman, but how all this time, she'd been nothing but a child."
"That time Mare, right before knowing a thing? When you can feel it but can't quite name it? That's the best part. Enjoy it, darling."
Ms. Naranjo has several published works online that are sure to enrapture anyone that enjoys her unique, sucks-you-in-every-time writing style.
There were a few different spots, however, within Marin's dream state that tripped me up as to whether she had woken up, or exactly where she was or which state she was in. Even still, it took nothing away from the story or the feelings I took away from this strong debut novel.
A couple of my favorite passages:
"What struck him the other night when she'd crossed her last important milestone of childhood, was not how close she was to becoming a woman, but how all this time, she'd been nothing but a child."
"That time Mare, right before knowing a thing? When you can feel it but can't quite name it? That's the best part. Enjoy it, darling."
Ms. Naranjo has several published works online that are sure to enrapture anyone that enjoys her unique, sucks-you-in-every-time writing style.
December 7, 2014
This was a surprising read for me. I didn't know what to expect, and this was a little out of my normal reading. Naranjo creates compelling characters striving to deal with a tragedy and find a new way to live their lives. Well, living might be a stretch. Marin and her dad are merely existing as they try to care for Marin's little brother. Worrying about his well-being and lack of progression since the death of Marin's mom is easier than dealing with their own loss.
Marin's dream world has protected her, given her a place of refuge ever since the accident, but when she finds herself attending group therapy they begin to change. As Marin wakes to her new reality and unlocks her emotions, those dreams become nightmares. They hold surprises that will once again change the course of Marin's family.
The best way I can describe this book is REAL. The emotions, struggles, even the fantasy world inside Marin's dream all feel very real. It was easy for me to connect with those emotions and enjoy the book.
Marin's dream world has protected her, given her a place of refuge ever since the accident, but when she finds herself attending group therapy they begin to change. As Marin wakes to her new reality and unlocks her emotions, those dreams become nightmares. They hold surprises that will once again change the course of Marin's family.
The best way I can describe this book is REAL. The emotions, struggles, even the fantasy world inside Marin's dream all feel very real. It was easy for me to connect with those emotions and enjoy the book.
July 14, 2014
This debut YA novel by Elizabeth Maria Naranjo kept me interested and involved from page one. Marin has lost her mother in a terrible accident and her life has been turned upside down. Her father now works nights, and her young brother is slipping away. Marin retreats to her dreams, which she can control. Her mother told her that her "lucid dreaming" is a gift, but increasingly it feels like a curse. Marin goes through changes at school that involve a counselor, a group of friends, and of course a cute boy.
The interplay of the school and home scenes with the dream sequences is masterful, and the characters are rich and believable. I enjoyed this book as an adult, and have recommended it to middle school readers too. I'm looking forward to Elizabeth's next novel, whether it's more of Marin or something else.
The interplay of the school and home scenes with the dream sequences is masterful, and the characters are rich and believable. I enjoyed this book as an adult, and have recommended it to middle school readers too. I'm looking forward to Elizabeth's next novel, whether it's more of Marin or something else.
July 1, 2014
This is listed as a YA novel, but I found it very well written and definitely a good book for adults. This book pulled me in from the very beginning and had me yearning for more. I had such strong feelings for the teenage girl Marin and her family and the pain they had to endure. I really wanted to be able to comfort her and give her strength and courage to go on. I don't want to give anything away but would highly recommend this. Have a box of tissues at hand for some of the rough parts though and try to set aside time for this book. I guarantee that once you start reading it, you won't want to put it down. Congratulations to Elizabeth Maria Naranjo on this debut novel. I'm looking forward to any further books she may write.
June 23, 2015
This was a really compelling book. Marin, the main character, copes with the tragedies in her life by creating elaborate lucid dreams at night and retreating into herself during the day. I thought that the author did an amazing job of maintaining a dreamlike tone throughout the book, even during the scenes where Marin isn't dreaming, which created a nice tension and build to the climax. This is a fairly simple story, but it's also elegant and thoughtful and has a nice fantasy element. The ending surprised me (in a great way) and although I finished this yesterday, I'm still thinking about it. Overall, this was a great book,and I look forward to seeing what the author writes next.
March 27, 2015
The Fourth Wall was a compelling novel that was profoundly sad at times. We see the aftermath of a family trying to cope with difficulties that life brings them. One of my favorite parts of the book is the love the father shows his children, and the struggle he goes through as he tries to do what is best for the family. That resonated with me and was quite moving. I think Naranjo has a gift with language. It is very vivid and evocative. While Naranjo could have made Marin very cynical and jaded, she didn’t (which I’m glad of). She was a just young girl who had to deal with very adult things. Overall, I enjoyed this novel very much and look forward to other stories that she writes.
July 17, 2014
The fourth Wall is a y/a book. Marin learned to weave her own dreams when she was little. But when an accident takes her Mother and her Baby Brother is an empty shell. Marin weaves a new reality for herself one with out sorrow or time. But just when she feels safe the Monsters come back and turn her dream world into a nightmare. In order to heal herself and her family Marin must face the truth and conquer the Fourth wall. A truly fascinating read. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
September 6, 2014
This is a book that makes you think. Lucid dreaming hmm. Getting over the loss of a mother at a young age that is so tragic. I like a few quotes from the book and saved them. One about the fourth wall I won't quote the whole thing here but just a portion : “I get it,” Marin said thoughtfully. “So in the movies , that’s why actors never look in the camera? Because—” “They’d break the fourth wall,” Greg said, nodding. “Magic gone.”
Good job Ms. Naranjo!
Good job Ms. Naranjo!
September 9, 2014
I reviewed this book here: http://turnthepagelisa.com/2014/09/09...
June 24, 2014
Review now online at: http://readinglark.blogspot.com.au/20...
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