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I aboslutely ripped through this book in the last few days. Chiyo’s story begs for you to listen; I found myself completely wrapped up in it, at times forgetting it was fiction and not a true memoir. Sad but beautiful, it emphasizes the role of hope in helping us all survive our struggles. I hope the movie coming out soon isn’t disappointing…

If you like Pride and Prejudice, read this book. If you like Lord of the Rings, read this book. If you ever wished magic were real, then pretty please read this book. Enter a world where Jane Austin’s socialites find themsevles married to husbands who discuss the best use of magic to defend England from Napoleon Bonaparte.

This novel isn’t a short read, but it wouldn’t be the same otherwise. Like Tolkien, Clarke immerses you in an inspired society you never question despite its departure from reality. Magic is returning to England, and two practical (rather than theoretical) magicians fight to bring it back in a form each of them sees fit.

If you’re anything like me, and you find yourself smiling to yourself about little ironies and logic loopholes, then you’ll probably enjoy this book.

From the back cover:

Christopher John Francis Bourne knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow. The improbable story of Christopher’s quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog makes for one of the most captivating, unuusal, and widely heralded novels in recent years.”

Martel’s writing is poignant, and I love the detail he uses to convince you of his tale. Will this story make you believe in God, like a man suggests early in the book? Not likely (if you don’t already), but it will remind you of the importance of keeping imagination in your life.