Hexwood

"Hexwood" is a very strange novel, but extremely rewarding. It's not much like other stuff Diana Wynne Jones has written; although there are humorous moments, it's decidedly not lighthearted, it's not written in a straightforward manner (as it's instead written in five sections), and the time-sense of the novel is rather skewed.No matter. This is one of the few books I've read cover to cover, then turned back to re-read immediately. I did that for two reasons; Ms. Jones' use of language is extremely moving, especially when talking about Mordion and Vierran's halting romance, and I really wanted to figure out what this whole odd time sense thing was all about.The main reason the novel is written in five parts is to keep you guessing; it's an intellectual puzzle that's almost impossible to describe. The simple stuff is that there really are people behind the scenes controlling everything on Earth (and in the galaxy as a whole), people called Reigners. They're not very nice people; Reigner One is particularly offensive. And they've co-opted many other, better people to act in their stead as enforcers, crippling them emotionally in the process.I enjoyed figuring out the twists and turns of the most convoluted plotline I've ever read, while I reveled in how Ms. Jones managed to show people who were emotionally shell-shocked from years of abuse find love, laughter and meaning despite it all.Five stars, highly recommended for anyone with a good amount of patience and a love for mysteries.

I am not a big fantasy fan -- I like hard SF better. However, I like Diana Wynne Jones's books a lot. I read Howl's Moving Castle on recommendation of a friend and loved it. At the age of 34, I bought Hexwood in a 1st edition hardback on a whim and thought it was fabulous. It is a weird combination of archetypal fable, Arthurian legend, romantic story, and futuristic SF tale. It reminded me of the movie Pulp Fiction with its complete disregard of a linear timeline. I was consistently surprised as I read along, waiting anxiously for the next plot twist. Jones manages to keep all her plot twists in order and ties everything up at the end. The only drawback about this book is that it is probably too advanced for most teenagers.

I read this book because of the reviews... I had read one other book by Diana Wynne Jones, and loved it. Feeling like I needed a break from the formula fantasy novels that are all alike, I gave Hexwood a try. From the first page, I was hooked. I couldn't put it down. I even had it at the dinner table, which my parents didn't like, but it was such a wonderful book!Hexwood Farm is at the edge of a town near London. Inside the farm is the Bannus, a machine that plays with time and identity. It has been turned on, and nobody can turn it off. Ann, a girl living by Hexwood Farm, is sick in bed. Through her window, she sees people going into the farm--and not coming back out. She ventures into the wood to see what's going on, and she is swept into the confusing and time-warping field of the Bannus. She meets Mordion, a man who says he's been asleep for a century; but Ann knows he entered Hexwood Farm just a day ago. And Hume, the boy who is a different age every time Ann sees him. Ann wonders just who is real and who isn't; and after all, if they aren't who they seem to be, is she who she thinks she is?This book moves at a fast pace, and the action starts right away. Time, places, and identities are changed and warped so often that it's useless to try and straighten it out. It's much more enjoyable to let yourself be carried along in the confusion. At first I was extremely frustrated trying to read the book, but after a few chapters I got into the story, and I loved it. When I finished, I nearly cried. Not because it was a sad ending, but because I couldn't believe I was done. I wanted it to go on forever. Despite a misleading cover and a confusing start, this book instantly became a favorite. It's worth reading, and it will stay in your mind for weeks after you're finished reading.

I've been reading Diana Wynne Jones since I was nine years old (my first book was "The Lives of Christopher Chant" which I read during one really long car ride to the beach - I couldn't look up from the book!!). BUT despite a slight prejudice for her early books which I read first, "Hexwood" blew me away and has quickly become one of my favorites. This book combines everything I love about her writing into one great book; complete with complex plot, believable and unforgettable characters, and surprise endings (I LOVE her surprise endings!). If you've never read Diana Wynne Jones you might find it difficult as a first exposure to her writing (you might want to try one of her other books first), but if you're a diehard scifi/fantasy fan no doubt you'll be able to jump right in. Also I definitly agree with one of the other reviewers who said the cover is disappointing - don't let it be a deterrent. One last point: don't open this book unless you know you have a free 4 or 5 hours ahead of you - because once you start reading you won't be able to put it down until you've reached the end!