Primavera [Paperback]

Francesca Lia Block (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

From the very moment she was born, Primavera’s songs made water flow and flowers blossom. She brought new life to the desert where her family lives. But even in Paradise there are dreams that cannot be fulfilled. Primavera is in love with a man who can never be hers—so when a handsome stranger offers her the gift of a horse-headed motorcycle, Primavera leaves home in search of the magical city of Elysia, the city once ruled by her parents’ band, Ecstasia. But in Elysia, Primavera discovers that she has left behind everything she truly needs, everyone she truly cares about—and, if the city has its way, she will never find her way back home.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A sensualist’s paradise. -- Spin

The sorceress of iridescent language is back again. -- Kirkus Reviews for Echo

This begs not just to be read, but to be re-read, and savored. -- Publishers Weekly, starred review for Echo

Transcendent. -- The New York Times

About the Author

Francesca Lia Block is best known as the author of the five Weetzie Bat books (Weetzie Bat, Witch Baby, Cherokee Bat and the Goat Guys, Missing Angel Juan, and Baby Be-Bop), which have been collected as Dangerous Angels. Her most recent novel is Wasteland.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Firebird (January 19, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 014240067X
• ISBN-13: 978-0142400678
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #522,126 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Francesca Lia Block, recipient of the prestigious Margaret A. Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award. has been publishing novels, short stories, essays, memoirs and poetry since 1989. Her work has been translated into many languages. Ms. Block lives in Los Angeles where she teaches writing workshops that are also available online.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical, Mystery Tour, June 12, 2001

By 

S Cook "ninjagirl" (Dallas, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Primavera (Paperback)

In Francesca Lia Block's follow up to her first fantasy novel, Ecstasia, she delves even deeper into the genre with the tale of a girl named Primavera. Primavera was born to 2 members of the band Ecstasia, which the first novel followed.

Primavera grew up in the lush gardens that her voice gave life to. She brought water to the dessert where her family had moved to raise her. This home was all she knew. But she dreamed of the city, Elysia, she had heard her parents speak of. Elysia was a constant carnival with costumes, music, and youth. Her family warned of the town's dangers but when a stranger comes to visit he leads Primavera out on a journey to discover knew things.

What she discovers are worlds with mystical creatures, dangerous situations, and great adventure. As she travels through these places you feel like you are along side her as you can actually picture the magical places.

Definitely one of Block's finer works of the imagination. Read it when you feel like dreaming and fantasizing.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating, transcendant, spellbinding., October 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Primavera (Paperback)

Each time I read this book, I am captured by the Block's exquisite characterizations. Along with Ecstasia, I think this pair of stories are the finest Block has written. The world she creates is practically tangible and has invaded many of my dreams. There are few writers who are able to create a purely fantasy setting and make it so touching and believable. I have enjoyed Block's other books, and have used her writings for the basis of an English thesis. I am sorry that she has not continued with the fantasy genre and has moved into more realistic settings. Each book she writes, though, has an element of the supernatural and surreal

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Are you looking for Fantastical Fantasy?? Heres your Book!!, April 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Primavera (Paperback)

Primavera is an story beautifully written. Filled with love, bizzare creatures, dangerous circumstances, and such an abundance of imagination!! This is one of the ultimate books of fantasy that was ever printed!!! As our young Heroine leaves her utopian home to find new exciting things, she describes it so vividly you'd fel like you were there. This book takes you to a whole other level of fantasy and excitement. You'll love this book if your a poet, fantasy writer or reader, or just a person who loves to dream!! Its a delicious morsel for your imagination. Enjoy!!