Muneel Zaidi's Reviews > Pan's Labyrinth: The Labyrinth of the Faun

Pan's Labyrinth, known as El laberinto del fauno in its native Spanish, is a mysterious, dark, and spellbinding fairytale played out in an enchanting movie directed by Guillermo del Toro. It takes place in fascist ruled Spain in the deep forest after world war two. It follows the life of a young girl, anti-government guerrillas, and the Captian charged to exterminate the rebellion. The movie is a masterpiece, and the book is too.

It's rare to see a direct adaption of a film into a novel, the reverse being the norm. In this case, it's masterfully done. Whereas the movie is in Spanish, this book is brilliantly translated into English, stylistic integrity and essence preserved.

This book is not a prequel, sequel, or variation of the movie, but the same story intensified. Everything that occurs in the film happens in the book with more detail; characters are given backstories, reminiscent of One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez. Key objects have their origins explained, their enchantments and curses. And the main story is elevated upon a foundation of dark fairytales only hinted of in the movie.

Highly recommend the book and movie; Recommend watching the movie first, building the cast of character in your imagination, and letting the story linger on your mind for a bit. Then after some time has passed, read the book. The audiobook is enchantingly performed if you choose to listen to the book.