I absolutely love the opening line of this Novel,
"Accidents ambush the unsuspecting, often violently, just like love"
The Gargoyle is the story of a young man fighting for his life, after a horrific accident, which has ended his pornographic cocaine driven lifestyle and made him into a monster. Enter - Marianne Engel, a schizophrenic, who believes they have meet in a previous life and are destined to be together.
Through her naration, we travel from Norway to Japan, and through the middle ages charting the tragic ending of their previous love affair. Anderson expertly allows these shifts from past to present, without losing the reader and sucking us deeper into the world of Marianne.
Combining mystery and mysticism, events unfold which are left unquestioned, which gives this book an air of magic realism. The concept and development of the characters and their stories is done very well, with this story remaining with you for days after being read.
Definitely one of my favourite books, i give it 9 stars. Although i thought this book was exceptionally, I felt that there was something lacking - a 'je n'ai sais quoi' which i never put my finger on.
Was this worth all the hype, you think?
ReplyDeleteEmily -
ReplyDeleteI loved this book as well and felt the same way you did - something was just a bit off or missing.
Stephanie -
I would however highly recommend it. It is so original.
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI honestly hadn't heard anything about this book till i picked it up in a bookshop (i'm not in the states BTW) - so when after reading it i looked up the author, i could not believe the advance he got!!! That being said, its a very good book
Shellie - Glad i'm not the only one! Its strange but there something very small yet essential missing but i still don't know what it is. I think if that little extra was added, this would be a super book. But as is, i loved it too :)
Oh also thank you for both dropping by - we've a poll on the right about what you'd like to see more of. Please let us know :)
Emily, I've only read one other review for this, and I wasn't sure if I would like it. I've now seen it a couple of times in the shops, and read the back, but it sounded a little strange. You make it sound more like something I'd be interested in - maybe I'll give it another chance now!
ReplyDeleteGapyeargirl - well it is strange but in a good way? if that makes sense?
ReplyDeleteI do recommend giving it a chance though because it is a good read
I'm an avid fan of great first lines and I agree, this one ranks in the top contenders!
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to read this book! Thanks for the review. Happy reading!
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