Ellen in Puzantium by CE Huntingdon (Book Review #2073)

In Ellen in Puzantium, CE Huntingdon invites readers on a riotously absurd, heart-filled journey through a world that defies logic, embraces the weird, and celebrates the power of unlikely heroes. Imagine Monty Python crashing into Discworld, narrated by a talking dog with a penchant for divine commentary—and you’re just starting to scratch the surface.

Our heroine is Ellen, a two-foot-four neurodivergent girl with a lisp and a tendency to put her clothes on sideways. When her beloved dog goes missing, she follows him straight into the land of Puzantium, a place where nothing works quite as expected: cats run buffets, snails are saints, and monastic elders wage prank wars with a seriousness usually reserved for battles.

At first glance, the book reads like a stream-of-consciousness fever dream—but don’t be fooled. Beneath the ADHD-fueled chaos lies a story with structure, stakes, and an unexpectedly warm soul. Ellen may not want to be a chosen one, but she becomes a symbol of resistance against despair, conformity, and the idea that heroes must be perfect.

The tone is fast, funny, and lovingly irreverent. Whether you’re giggling at a laxative-laced attack on an abbot, smirking at holy bowl cuts, or admiring the dozens of expressive illustrations that bring every scene to life, the authors know exactly how to keep the reader engaged. Yet despite the humor, there’s real emotional gravity—especially for readers who’ve ever felt out of step with the world or doubted their worth.

CE Huntingdon, a husband-and-wife writing team with firsthand insight into neurodivergence and disability, infuses the book with lived authenticity. Ellen in Puzantium isn’t just representation—it’s a celebration of “strangers in strange lands” and the beauty of difference.

Whether you’re here for the cozy fantasy, the laugh-out-loud antics, or the subtle message of acceptance, this book delivers. With over 100 whimsical illustrations and a narrative voice that refuses to follow the rules, it’s a joyful, rebellious, and ultimately uplifting tale.

Written by Jeyran Main

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