I read a great book over the weekend. “Finnikin of the Rock” is the first fantasy book by Melina Marchetta (who wrote “Jellicoe Road,” which I enjoyed tremendously last year). I picked it up at the library (because I lurve the library) and read it over several days of vacation laziness.
In a nutshell, it’s a “return the rightful ruler to the throne” sort of book. I’m intrigued by this theme – why does it speak to us so much? Do we all think we might be kings and queens, placed far from our true homes? Hmmm. The fantasy element is minimal – a blood oath and a curse’s effects on the abandoned country (as opposed to magic dwarves and glowing swords). There’s an excellent Anastasia Romanoff type feeling to the story, too – did one of the heirs survive the slaughter? The language is perfect – just enough description to hold my imagination hostage. Characters? LOVE. All of them. Even the bad ones. There’s good action, and even better avoidance – which, when done right, is powerful stuff. Love, hate, revenge, filial piety, honor, forgiveness, redemption. Want it all? Here it is.
(Mature themes: Violence? Yes. Sensuality? Well, sort of. Things are mentioned, but you’re not In The Room, if you know what I mean. Language? Mild, but there. And there’s quite a lot of discussion about a young woman’s maturing, if you see what I mean.)
(4) Comments for this blog
Ooh. I love an Anastasia-like feel. To the library! Away!
Ooh. I love an Anastasia-like feel. To the library! Away!
This was one of my top ten books this year. Love it.
This was one of my top ten books this year. Love it.