#382 - Maithili and the Minotaur : Web of Woe
by C.G.Salamander and illustrated by Rajiv Eipe
“Maithili and the Minotaur : Web of Woe” by C.G.Salamander and illustrated by Rajiv Eipe. Published by Penguin. An enchanting graphic novel from an outlandish world full of friendship and adventure against a backdrop of deception and dangers with nothing being as it seems to be.
Maithili is an outcast from the human town. She now lives with her father on the outskirts of both human and monster towns in the magical wilderness. She joins a new school for monsters. The way to the school itself is quite an adventurous one and the ride on the bus is more so. Even with a driver like Hell Sing! As she tries to make friends with the monster children, she feels that they are scared of her for some unknown reason and avoiding her at great lengths. Except Minotaur who becomes her best friend. He is always by her side trying to avoid her from getting into trouble.
Maithili, however, seems to have a penchant for ending up doing the wrong things which make her get into inevitable troubles later. She is inquisitive, confident, brave and always ready to go an adventure. However, in this world of monsters and humans, everything seems to be illusory. No one is what they appear to be. There are hidden traits in some of the characters behind masked appearances. Maithili will have to tread carefully for there are some nasty and mean monsters who are wary of her and will stop at nothing short of getting rid of her once for all. Why is Maithili being targeted? What is so different about her that makes her an outcast in the land of humans? Why do other children keep her away? Read the book to delve into this enchanting world to try and find out these aspects while getting to experience what happens to Mythili and the Minotaur when they find themselves caught in a web woven out of revenge, redemption, nastiness and lies.
My 8.5 year old and I enjoyed reading this book. Unusual characters like school ghouls, cowled creeps are not at all creepy or likely to terrify despite their nature. The illustrations are way too good. I must confess though that we haven’t been able to decipher the multiple layers that seem to be there in the story. Multiple readings done and I still seem to find something hidden away each time. It is hard to write what exactly the experience is but it is quite extraordinary is what I can say. My son says that he loved everything about the book and can’t seem to elaborate much :) This is the first book of a series of multiple books featuring the feisty Maithili and the ever dependable Minotaur who is how a true friend should be. Looking forward to reading the next book from the series now!
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 10 and above for self reading but can be read to a slightly younger child like 8/9 with a little bit of explanation like we did.
Where to buy from?
An independent bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.