Underground Holidays

(1) Of Holly and Hobgoblins (Labyrinth)

By Wai-Jing Waraugh
Reviewed by Kathryn A on 6th February 2011 (3)
Tags: Novella
Characters: Sarah Williams, Jareth
(153K)

Summary: Though surrounded by family, Sarah feels lonely at Christmas. There is a present she has not even admitted to herself that she wants. Only one person can give it to her, but will he, and she, realize her wish in time? And can she give something in return?

There are a few things that niggle me in this story, such as calling all the denizens of the Underground "goblins", including Jareth. Also, the characterisation of Hoggle is a bit off. However, the characterisations of Jareth and Sarah are good; Jareth suffering from ennui, and Sarah unhappy and uncertain as to why.

One of the themes of this story is story itself; tales and portents and the ways that stories are supposed to end. I love that as a theme.