Okay, bear with me. I haven’t exactly reviewed a ‘classic’. In fact, I may or may not have reviewed a brand new book... but I have a brilliant explanation! You see, I’m a terribly impatient reader. I need a book to scream with mystery, drama and fireworks from the very first page - I need the story to grab me and drag me deep into the world of the characters within the first few sentences - otherwise, before I know it, I’ve ‘misplaced’ the book in a far-off location, never to be seen again.
It’s true! It’s the reason why I never finished The Lord of the Rings. One minute, I was reading all about the incredibly interesting, detailed history of Hobbit-lore and Middle-earth, and the next minute, it was gone... Hmm. I can sense your skepticism. Oh well. Keep reading anyway.
This new year’s resolution was a long-talked-about one - to finally read The Power Of One, Bryce Courtenay’s legendary masterpiece. After the requisite new year’s drinks and hangovers were officially exhausted, I heaved the heavy book from the shelf, wiped off the thick layer of dust from the tired black cover, and cracked it open to chapter one.
After several weeks of strong coffees, Tim Tams, sugary treats and anything else I could find to motivate myself to keep reading, I was still struggling to immerse myself in the world of Peekay and his pet chicken.
Finally, in great frustration, I tossed the book aside (ignoring the guilt from failing to complete another new year’s resolution) and reached for the latest Jodi Picoult instead - The Storyteller.
Now, anyone who has ever read a Jodi Picoult novel knows how intoxicating her writing is. It is vibrant and rich with imagery and description. When she writes about a delicious dinner, she doesn’t just describe the food. No - she paints a vivid picture of the taste, the smell, the longing from the characters who are about to eat it. The very essence of the food dances across the page and you lose yourself in the flavour of the meal.
This magically descriptive writing style is woven across every page of her latest book. Food is a huge part of the story, with the hero being a baker who finds solace in the kitchen, baking rich pastries and breads as she hides from the rest of the world. The story takes un unexpected turn when an acquaintance reveals a shocking secret, and draws the story away from the quiet present into a violent, blood-soaked past.
The horrors of World War II are told from the perspectives of several characters, giving you an intimate look into life during the Nazi movement, and life inside concentration camps, both as a prisoner and a guard. Death, and all that comes with it, works its way into every chapter - heartbreak, despair, hope, desperation, and unimaginable fear are twisted into a clever and unexpected tale of survival, strength, and a bit of mystery. And, of course, love. Picoult never writes a book without weaving a love story into its midst. Love and death - the two most heart-wrenching things that happen in this world. That’s what makes this book such a page-turner. You’re either on the edge of your seat, desperately hoping the character you have gotten to know survives the bloody violence that surrounds her, as her family and friends die horrific deaths one by one - or you’re hurriedly turning the pages to see how a blossoming romance will unfold.
I won’t give away the ending. Because, as with all truly fantastic books, it has a twist in the final chapters... although, unlike a lot of her books, I didn’t find this twist completely shocking. But the way it unfolds is quite unexpected. And the final page left me truly satisfied with the way in which all the loose ends had been neatly tied.
You’ve got to admit, there’s nothing quite as annoying as a book that ends on a cliff-hanger - I suppose the author is hoping you’ll appreciate the opportunity to draw your own conclusions. I hate that. If you’re telling me a story, finish the story! Picoult’s books are always finished brilliantly. (Yes, I’m a fan of her books... Don’t judge me. Come on, you have to admit My Sister’s Keeper was good!)
So, if you’re like me and tend to have a short attention span when it comes to reading, and you need a fast-paced story dripping with death, violence, pain, suffering, hope, love, and suspense, check out The Storyteller.
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