The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters

Okay, the first thing you have to know is that this book, by Gordon Dahlquist, is long. So long in fact that the paperback version I read was split into two volumes (each a fairly hefty sized book in its own right). The second thing you have to know is that it's worth it.

This is a fantastic, swashbuckling adventure from the old school, with chases, sword fights, dastardly villains (and villainesses) and intreprid heroes. But it's also completely modern, thanks to a fantastically realised setting of an alternative Victorian England, a fair amount of sex (not particularly explicit) and cracking heroes - the determined, stubborn Miss Temple; the romantic rogue, Cardinal Chang; and the sensitive, courageous Dr Svenson. The writing is vivid and fast-paced, sweeping the reader along, whilst conveying a lot of detail that brings both the characters and the world they inhabit to life.

Obviously I recommend this, but with just one word of warning. If you read it in paperback (and therefore in separate volumes) Volume One ends on a cliffhanger - you will have to read Volume Two to find out what happens to the daring trio!

going quiet

Due to an unexpected family emergency, I'm not really going to be in a position to blog for the next week. Hope to be back towards the end of next week, but until then, essygie's bookworm is going quiet.

The Princess Bride

Written by William Goldman (who wrote the screenplay for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) though he maintains the illusion throughout that the book is his abridgment of an original, a true story written by S. Morgenstern. Later made into a film of the same name. It's not often that I love both the book and the film equally, but in this case I do - possibly because William Goldman wrote the screenplay too.

As for the book, it's joined my list of favourites - it's a funny, adventurous, romantic fantasy/fairytale with great characters and did I mention it's funny? It's brilliant, a great read - I devoured it in one sitting, staying up late to finish. In other words: recommended!

Shoot The Piano Player

A noir crime novel, first published in 1956, written by David Goodis, who also wrote Dark Passage (later made into a film starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall). Shoot The Piano Player was originally published as Down There, but the title was changed when it was made into a film by Francois Truffaut.

Eddie lives a contented, if emotionally detached life, minding his own business. He hides behind his easy-going manner, careful not to get too involved with anyone. However, when his brother, Turley, turns up at the bar where Eddie plays piano, hurt and needing help, Eddie finds that a life of emotional detachment isn't so easy to maintain in the face of family loyalties. Turley's appearance sets off a chain of events that destroys Eddie's carefree manner and reveals the true man underneath - and where his loyalties really lie.

This is an excellent book, fast-paced and dark without being too cynical. The characters feel real, rather than stereo-typed, particularly the main character, Eddie, whose inner monologue is as gripping as the action. There's a long flashback in the middle of the book, which is a risky strategy - it could have ended up a distraction that made the action feel disjointed - but it's as gripping as the main plot and answers questions that you have about Eddie by that point, so in fact it works.

A Moment (on the gallows)

Excellent story on everyday fiction today, by Bosley Gravel (great name!)

A Primary Function

Good story on everyday fiction today, by C.L. Holland

Fleeing Under Cover of Day

I like today's poem on everyday poets, by Dennis Misurell. A bitter tale from the credit crunch and current recession!