Wednesday 21 February 2018

The Iron King .. By Maurice Druon


Let me present the book review of the first installment of the Accursed Kings series by French author Maurice Druon, which deals with France's Philip IV "The Fair" (1268-1314) and scandals of his reign. It is said that this book greatly inspired George R.R. Martin, who called it as "The Original Game of Thrones" which led to its stupendous publicity. It certainly covers the last days of Capetian dynasty, which has its fair share of murder, adultery, and conspiracy.

However, it is nothing like Game of Thrones, apart from its unbearably nasty politics or bloody-minded cruelty. Secondly, it cannot be called so much as a fiction, but a European history book. 

The writing was somewhat monotonous because of the dreary monologue and imaginary, non-engaging conversations. This might be because the book was written in the early 1950s and was not re-published until recently. However, I agree that the events that took place in the 14th century Europe that led to a 100-years of war between England and France are nothing short of fascinating.

The rival families of the French Capets and the English Plantagenets did have ambitious men and deceptive women that have the capability to create sheer drama in the novel and Druon has managed to infuse those with enough machinations and manipulations to make Littlefinger himself proud.

Well, the story that begun to unfold here is continued in the second installment, "The Strangled Queen", whose review I will bring to you shortly.


Happy Reading!!!

Tuesday 6 February 2018

August .. By Bernard Beckett


Trapped upside-down in a car wreck, bleeding and brooding over the past, Tristan and Grace are waiting for death, while reciting their stories to each other. 

Tristan is a philosopher, struggling with the idea of free will, while Grace lives a life that allows no place for such questions. How they came to be in a car together, balancing between life and death is a thought-provoking tale of loss and tragedy.

Well, do not expect it to be a tangled love story, as what the synopsis suggests. It is more about theology and complex characters trying to find their way to freedom. In my opinion, the book seemed little unremarkable, even though it had a profound message to spread, it had too much philosophical swaggering against too little plot.

If you are into insightful arguments about humanity and the nature of free will, I would recommend this book to you. For others, it might seem a little disappointing, if not disturbing.

Happy Reading!!!