
I was so excited to get the chance to read this book, as I read and loved Stuart's first book, The Matchmaker of Périgord, about two years ago. I think Stuart has a particular style that I enjoy and I found her second book to have very close echoes of her first book in terms of style and writing cadence. Though this book told a very different story, it was just as enjoyable as her first.
This book differed a bit from Matchmaker in that it had more of a dual emotional impact. It was light and funny, yes, but these was a bit of a darker undertone to this book in its descriptions and portrayals of Balthazar's heartbreak for his son. This gave the book a more sober feeling and ran a thread of deeper emotion through the story. Perfectly melded with the sadness and loss in the story was the close-knit absurdity that I find so enjoyable in Stuart's books. There was a lot here to laugh with and poke fun at, and at times there was almost a ribaldry to the story as well. Stuart does a great job of making this book emotionally multi-faceted, and this made Balthazar's story of the tower more reflective and realistic. There was a great symmetry between happiness and sadness that gave the book more weight and made it more of a staid read.
One of the best things about this book was the way Stuart kept an entire string of varying and interesting narrative threads relevant and fresh. There was a lot going on here but it didn't seem crowded or over-populated by crazy characters and their tales. Don't get me wrong, there was a whole lot of crazy in this book, but it wasn't overpowering and it didn't take on an unwelcome feeling of forced farce. It was intelligent comedy and was spread out in a way that made things seem natural and intricately woven. Instead of focusing on different sections of the action, the book seemed to gently scan the entire landscape of the story, focusing briefly on each character and their relationship to the Tower and each other.
I particularly enjoyed the way Stuart interspersed little known bits of Tower lore into the story. A lot of the stories about the Tower were strange and fantastic, and they really gave me something to chew on during sections of lesser action. I also think these sections were perfectly housed within the story that Stuart wanted to tell. The days from the Tower's past were no more peculiar and original than the story that was being presented, and there was a great effect of cohesion between all these aspects of the book. The only things I had known about the Tower were parts of its more sinister history, so it was fun to see it in a different light.
This was definitely one of the more entertaining books I've read in awhile, and Stuart takes it to the next level with the final scene and sentence in this wonderful little book. I think a lot of people would appreciate this frolicsome and witty tale, and for those readers who like a healthy dose of humor in their books, this would be a welcome addition to their library. I am eagerly awaiting Stuart's next book because I can't wait to see where she takes me. Recommended!
This book was provided as a complimentary review copy.
11 comments:
I've seen mixed reviews of this, but I like what you have to say about it. I like "intelligent comedies." Maybe I'll check it out after all!
How interesting! I saw this book and was sort of intrigued but was afraid it would be too weird... you definitely make it sound worth reading, though!
There is something about British wit that reels me in. It seems so much more clever than American wit. The idea of animals at the Tower of London cracks me up!
Zibilee, to have received such a "rave review" from you can only mean that it's really good. I'm adding this one to my TBR list.
I really enjoyed this book as well. I wasn't aware that the author had another novel, so I am going to check it out.
I'm so glad to see this is so good. I'm intrigued by the animals and the Tower lore!
There were definitely some unexpected quirks to the characters and some of the scenes...my favorite parts. :-D
I think this cover is just charming. I think I would enjoy this. I had the chance to visit the Tower of London years ago and found it so interesting.
I'm not so sure this book is for me, but it sounds quirky and fun. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Oh, I'm so glad you liked this! I've seen it around and heard great things. Thanks for hte great review! If I can find it used I'll probably read it.
I'll definitely be picking this book up after your review! I love quirky books.
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