This week’s book of choice was the first in a trilogy of fantasy novels, “Caraval” written by Stephanie Garber. The plot follows a young girl, Scarlette, and her sister, Donatella, as they attend the infamous, interactive magic show of a lifetime: Caraval. The event takes place over five days, in that time Scarlette must find her sister and return home so she can marry her fiancé and escape her father once and for all. However, the illusions and misleading characters create obstacles for Scarlette and her new companion Julian to overcome. As the reader, we get tangled in the complicated web alongside them, and what better way to put ourselves in the story than music?
- Carousel – Melanie Martinez
The first, and most apparent, song I needed to add to this playlist was “Carousel” by Melanie Martinez. Not only does it perfectly adhere to the premise of the novel, but it captures the mysterious atmosphere of the setting. Caraval is a place of illusionists and trickery, yet Scarlette finds herself at a frequent moral crossroads that get in the way of her mission to find her sister. Love, violence, and red herrings can make the reader’s head spin, making “Carousel” the perfect eerie accompaniment.
- Gods & Monsters – Lana Del Rey
One of the oddest, most secretive characters in the book is Legend, the man who created Caraval. From the beginning, he is a nameless, faceless character that we are only given fractions of details about. He is by far the most compelling, though, as it is his actions and influence that propel the story forward. Legend is referred to as God-like as he sees everything and is capable of throwing the participants into chaos. A twisted, morally gray character like Legend can be summed up as being one with “Gods & Monsters”.
- Savages – MARINA
Throughout the piece, the characters are stripped down and revealed to be so much more than who they present themselves to be on the surface. The lyrics of “Savages” reflects how our impressions of the characters are proven false, that they are layered and complex. Motivations that drive them are, more often than not, selfish as they drag themselves through every game and trick. Participants, observers, and those employed by Legend have the duality of being generous as they offer help while simultaneously setting her back for their own benefit.
- I Found – Amber Run
What’s a fantasy book without a touch of romance? Of course, the romantic subplots are usually intended to contribute higher stakes to the storyline and Caraval meets expectations. A predictable couple from the start to everyone but themselves, Julian and Scarlette meet by supposed chance, and, in her search for Donatella, they are thrown together over and over. The pair work together and thus grow to more than tolerate each other as simple care transforms into affection, Amber Run captures all of the intensity of their feelings in the song “I Found”.
- Moments In Love – The Art Of Noise
“Moments In Love” is a song that is ten minutes in length, yet I lost track of time listening to it as I read. The fluid build of intensity paired with the rhythmic flow combines for a hypnotic collision of sound. Minimal lyricism that borderline fades into the instrumentals submerges the listener into an immersive experience alongside the characters as we read. The disruptions of peace juxtaposed by glittery effects transport you into Caraval.
