Review: The Thorn and the Blossom by Theodora Goss
Title: The Thorn and the Blossom
Author: Goss, Theodora
Length: 82 pages
Genre: Fiction
Publisher / Year: Quirk Books / 2012
Source: Picked up at Chapters.
Rating: 5/5
Why I Read It: Jodie recommended it.
Date Read: 25/08/12
This is a beautifully packaged little book, with the pages all connected and folded like an accordion between two thick hard covers. The entire book is then nestled in a beautiful box. The book tells the story of a young American girl and a young English man who meet, and whose lives are forever changed and impacted by a fable and book that they share. One side of the accordion gives her story, the other side gives his. In this way, the reader gets two stories and two points of view.
Evelyn and Brendan were both well written, full characters who came to life off the pages. The perspective the reader gets of each within their own telling, as well as featured in the opposite telling, work together so well, and both characters seemed completely believable and like real people. The story that Goss shares in this book is incredibly thought out and works wonderfully. The magic is just right, as is the romance, the history, and the coincidences.
A short tale (or rather, two short tales), that are very worth the read. And the full package makes the book even more worth it! Certainly completely different from anything I’ve ever read before.
I was fascinated with the way this book is constructed. I’m glad to see you enjoyed it.
Thanks Kathy. The construction is amazing right?!
Dear Amy,
I do enjoy your reviews here. You are doing a great job. I am just writing to wish you all the best. May the sun never set on your dreams.
Kind regards, Karo.
Thanks Karo.
This sounds like one I need to keep my eyes on
Lovely review!
Definitely worth a read therelentlessreader!
I had heard that the concept was amazing, but the stories left something to be desired. I am glad to hear from you that it is not so. I really want to read this one now! I’m glad that you enjoyed it.
Oh I really enjoyed the story as well zibilee
This is not a book I can hope to borrow from my library. I’m going to have to spring for a copy.
Yep, I’m definitely glad I bought it Debbie!
I like the idea of the way that the book was constructed. Oddly I think that something like this can add to the aesthetic value of the book.
One cannot have this experience with an ebook!
I definitely think the aesthetic value of a book is worth considering. The construction made it more of a work of art I think Brian!
I wasn’t wild about the characters, but I absolutely love to see books trying unusual ways of being a book. Any book in a box fills me with joy. (Cf Chris Ware’s Building Stories which I want to read so so so much).
Hmmm… checking out Building Stories now thanks for mentioning it Jenny!
I did wonder how this doesn’t end up in a mess (as in I didn’t know there was a box for it). Been looking for a copy in the stores but it seems online is the way to go in this case.
Yes, a box to keep it safe Charlie! I found it in my store, sorry to hear you’re not having as much luck!
I first heard about this on Ana’s blog I think. She liked it. I’m glad to hear you and Jodie did as well. I guess this means I need to read it too
Three of my most reliable blog recommendations ever.
Yep, you’re definitely going to have to give it a read Iris
Oh, this sounds beautiful!