17.10.13
This is an extraordinary book, in every sense, though many will lose patience with its initial world of confusion. But if you stick with this macabre, quirky, odd story, you're likely to find it oddly satisfying. I think a lot of its success revolves around the choice of Calamity as narrator, and in its twisted Britishness, which here seems far more representative of the dark, crazy heart of the UK than Rowling's stereotypes. That and its subversive ability to make musical theatre creepy (Bex, you'll love it!). Thanks to Leeswammes for the recommendation.
So glad you loved this book. I knew it, I knew it! Now, for a new recommendation, have you read The Death of Bees by Lisa O'Donnell? If not, you must!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have heard of it without you so thanks. Just looked up The Death of Bees and that looks similarly funny/macabre. Will add it to my list!
DeleteI discovered your blog through Bex's blog a few weeks ag. I'm always struggling to find new books to read so it's great to find your recommendations and use you as my new reading list ;-). It was good to see that I have already read a few of the books you have given good reviews for, so that bodes well.
ReplyDeleteI started off with A Dirty Job, which was funny but as you said the plots were a bit confusing at times. Next up is Waiting for Sunshine and I'm going to add The First Book of Calamity Leek to my reading list now.
Thanks, Ben, though my opinions aren't always mainstream! Let me know what you think of what you read.
DeleteSounds brilliant - gone straight to the top of the reading list. When you start bandying around words like quirky and macabre then I'm in.
ReplyDeleteAnd Ben is so right, it's a brilliant thing to find someone whose recommendations you know you can trust.
xxx