Title: The Maker of Swans
Author: Paraic O'Donnell
Published: 2016
Language: English
Pages: 327
Rating: 3/5
Summary:
This is a strange tale about Mr Crowe, who has mysterious powers, his mute ward Clara, his loyal servant Eustace and the mysterious men coming to their house after Mr Crowe after he commits a crime of passion.
Review:
This was quite an interesting read and for a first novel, quite accomplished.
The most striking thing about this book is the writing. It's truly beautiful and you can feel the work that's gone into making each sentence. It is also, sadly, a bit confusing at times, clarity being lost in the effort to write something gorgeous.
I did really enjoy this though. I found the story enticing and the characters fascinating. I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next and I could never foresee where it was going. I thought it was atmospheric, strange and has a bit of a gothic feel to it that I really like. It's a slow-burning book for the most part and I generally found it a highly enjoyable experience.
It does have a few holes though and I almost wish it would've been a bit longer - I felt it slightly lacking in backstory to some of the characters, the ending felt rushed and had me puzzled as to what was really happening. I don't feel quite satisfied in having finished this, I feel like there's something missing.
This is the authors first published work though and even though it's not perfect, it's definitely something special and just the writing is really something. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for what he publishes next.
You can get this book at The Book Depository*
You can read more about it on Goodreads
Author: Paraic O'Donnell
Published: 2016
Language: English
Pages: 327
Rating: 3/5
Summary:
This is a strange tale about Mr Crowe, who has mysterious powers, his mute ward Clara, his loyal servant Eustace and the mysterious men coming to their house after Mr Crowe after he commits a crime of passion.
Review:
This was quite an interesting read and for a first novel, quite accomplished.
The most striking thing about this book is the writing. It's truly beautiful and you can feel the work that's gone into making each sentence. It is also, sadly, a bit confusing at times, clarity being lost in the effort to write something gorgeous.
I did really enjoy this though. I found the story enticing and the characters fascinating. I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next and I could never foresee where it was going. I thought it was atmospheric, strange and has a bit of a gothic feel to it that I really like. It's a slow-burning book for the most part and I generally found it a highly enjoyable experience.
It does have a few holes though and I almost wish it would've been a bit longer - I felt it slightly lacking in backstory to some of the characters, the ending felt rushed and had me puzzled as to what was really happening. I don't feel quite satisfied in having finished this, I feel like there's something missing.
This is the authors first published work though and even though it's not perfect, it's definitely something special and just the writing is really something. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for what he publishes next.
You can get this book at The Book Depository*
You can read more about it on Goodreads
*AFFILIATE LINK
