The Girl Who Drank the Moon - Book Review

The Girl Who Drank the Moon 

by Kelly Barnhill

Introduction

Kelly Barnhill’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a fantasy novel that blends lyrical storytelling, deep themes, and enchanting characters into a modern classic. Winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal, the book has captured the hearts of both young readers and adults alike. It explores universal themes of love, sacrifice, hope, and the transformative power of magic, making it more than just a children’s fantasy tale—it’s a story about humanity itself.

This review takes a detailed look at the novel, its plot, themes, characters, writing style, and overall impact. Whether you’re a parent considering it for your child, a fantasy lover, or simply a curious reader, this review will help you understand why The Girl Who Drank the Moon has become such a beloved book.

 

Plot Overview

The novel begins in the Protectorate, a small, isolated town overshadowed by fear. Each year, the townspeople leave a baby in the forest as a sacrifice to a witch they believe demands it. What they don’t know, however, is that the witch—Xan—is actually a kind, misunderstood woman. Instead of harming the babies, Xan rescues them and delivers them to loving families across the forest.

One day, Xan accidentally feeds a baby girl moonlight instead of starlight. This baby, named Luna, becomes “enmagicked,” filled with extraordinary magical powers she cannot yet control. To protect Luna from harming herself and others, Xan binds her magic, which will only fully awaken when Luna turns 13.

As Luna grows up with Xan, a swamp monster named Glerk, and a tiny dragon called Fyrian, her powers remain dormant—yet hints of her abilities emerge. Meanwhile, in the Protectorate, a young man named Antain begins to question the cruel traditions of his society. His defiance sets in motion a series of events that will collide with Luna’s destiny.

The climax builds toward Luna’s 13th birthday, when her magic will be unleashed, truths about the Protectorate will be revealed, and old wounds will finally begin to heal.

 

Themes and Symbolism

1. The Power of Love

At its core, The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a story about love in its many forms—familial, platonic, and communal. Xan raises Luna as her granddaughter, showing how love can transcend blood ties. Antain’s love for his family pushes him to resist oppressive traditions. Even Glerk and Fyrian, though unconventional companions, embody loyalty and affection.

2. Sacrifice and Redemption

The Protectorate’s citizens are manipulated into believing sacrifice is necessary, symbolizing how fear can be used to control. Xan’s own sacrifices—of her strength, her safety, and even her immortality—mirror the true meaning of selflessness.

3. Truth vs. Lies

A central theme is the suppression of truth. The Protectorate thrives on a lie, keeping people in fear. When the truth comes to light—about the witch, the sacrifices, and Luna’s magic—it liberates the people and redefines their identity.

4. Magic as Transformation

Magic in the novel isn’t just a fantastical element—it represents personal growth, resilience, and empowerment. Luna’s journey with her magic parallels adolescence, self-discovery, and the challenges of finding one’s place in the world.

5. Hope and Renewal

Despite darkness, there’s always a thread of hope. The story emphasizes renewal—forests regrow, truth emerges, and people rebuild. Barnhill reminds readers that despair can be temporary, but hope is enduring.

 

Characters

1. Luna

The central figure, Luna, is both ordinary and extraordinary. Her struggle with her untamed magic reflects the struggles of growing up, learning responsibility, and embracing one’s unique gifts. Readers admire her courage, curiosity, and compassion.

2. Xan

Xan is a 500-year-old witch who, contrary to myths, is kind-hearted. She becomes both grandmother and protector to Luna, embodying wisdom, sacrifice, and the bittersweet nature of aging. Her journey reflects the pain of letting go while cherishing the bonds of love.

3. Glerk

The swamp monster Glerk is wise, poetic, and philosophical. Often quoting ancient wisdom, he symbolizes balance between chaos and order, earth and water, life and death. His presence adds depth to the narrative.

4. Fyrian

Fyrian, the “Perfectly Tiny Dragon,” provides comic relief and innocence. Though small in size, he believes himself gigantic—an amusing yet symbolic reminder of how perspective shapes reality.

5. Antain

A young man from the Protectorate, Antain begins as an apprentice to the Elders but grows increasingly disturbed by their cruelty. His courage to stand against tradition and follow his conscience makes him one of the most admirable characters.

6. The Elders and Sister Ignatia

The true villains of the story, the Elders and Sister Ignatia maintain power by spreading fear. Sister Ignatia, who feeds on sorrow, is a chilling antagonist—representing how corruption thrives when people are blinded by fear.

 

Writing Style and Tone

Kelly Barnhill’s prose is lyrical, almost poetic, weaving fairy-tale elements with profound insights. The tone is whimsical yet layered, making it accessible to children while offering adults plenty to reflect on. She balances lighthearted moments with serious, often heartbreaking themes.

Her use of multiple perspectives enriches the narrative, allowing readers to see the Protectorate, the forest, and the characters’ struggles from different angles. The blending of folklore-style storytelling with modern emotional depth is one of the novel’s greatest strengths.

 

Reader Experience

Readers often describe The Girl Who Drank the Moon as enchanting, immersive, and emotionally moving. Children enjoy the magical creatures, playful dragon, and adventurous plot, while adults resonate with its philosophical undertones and exploration of morality.

It’s a book that grows with you—simple enough for younger readers, yet complex enough to offer new insights upon rereading. Parents often find it a perfect read-aloud book, as its lyrical style mirrors classic fairy tales.

 

Strengths of the Book

1. Rich Themes – It explores love, hope, truth, and courage in a way that resonates across ages.
2. Complex Characters – From Luna to Glerk, every character adds depth and meaning.
3. Beautiful Prose – Kelly Barnhill’s writing elevates the novel into something magical.
4. Balance of Darkness and Light – The book doesn’t shy away from sadness, but always circles back to hope.
5. Universal Appeal – While marketed for middle-grade readers, it captivates adults equally.

Read more The Mountain Is You

 

Weaknesses of the Book

While widely praised, some readers have noted:

1. Slow Pacing – The lyrical prose sometimes slows the action, which may challenge impatient readers.
2. Complex Themes for Young Readers – Younger children might struggle to fully grasp its allegories without guidance.
3. Multiple Perspectives – Shifting viewpoints, though enriching, can feel confusing to some.

Despite these, most agree that the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses.

 

Impact and Recognition

• Newbery Medal 2017 – One of the highest honors in children’s literature.
• Critical Acclaim – Critics lauded its originality, emotional resonance, and storytelling mastery.
• Reader Response – It remains a favorite among schools, libraries, and book clubs, often used to teach themes of truth, justice, and empathy.

 

Why The Girl Who Drank the Moon Stands Out

In a genre crowded with fantasy tales, Barnhill’s novel stands out because it blends timeless fairy-tale elements with modern social commentary. It questions blind obedience, criticizes fear-based governance, and celebrates love’s redemptive power—all while keeping its whimsical, magical charm intact.

The book’s greatest strength is its ability to speak to multiple generations. A child might read it as an adventure story with witches and dragons, while an adult may read it as a profound commentary on truth, corruption, and resilience.

 

Lessons from the Book

1. Love Heals – Genuine love, whether familial or communal, has the power to overcome despair.
2. Truth Liberates – Lies may control, but truth brings freedom and justice.
3. Hope Sustains – Even in darkness, hope can be the spark that changes everything.
4. Question Tradition – Just because something has always been done doesn’t mean it’s right.
5. Embrace Your Power – Like Luna, each person has gifts they must learn to understand and use responsibly.

 

Conclusion

The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a masterpiece of modern fantasy literature. It enchants with its magical world while grounding readers in universal truths about love, sacrifice, and hope. Kelly Barnhill’s prose is both poetic and accessible, weaving a story that lingers long after the final page.

It’s more than a children’s book—it’s a tale for anyone who has ever struggled with fear, loss, or uncertainty and needed a reminder that light will always return.

If you’re searching for a novel that blends fantasy with depth, whimsy with wisdom, and heartache with hope, The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a must-read.