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A review by heddas_bookgems
Labyrinth by Kate Mosse
3.0
Labyrinth by Kate Mosse is a novel that takes readers on a time-bending adventure between modern day France and the 13th century, with plenty of atmospheric charm. If you've ever wandered the streets of Carcassonne, or dreamt of doing so, Mosse's lush descriptions will transport you right back, like a historical vacation without the jet lag. The medieval chapters are especially vivid, bursting with so much detail that you can almost see the medieval streets, minus the cobblestones underfoot.
But the pacing? Let’s just say this book has two speeds: sprint and snail. One minute the plot’s racing ahead, leaving you flipping back to figure out what just happened, and the next it slows to a crawl, giving you ample time to ponder life’s big questions, like whether or not you should make a snack. It’s a bit like watching a thriller on fast forward and then suddenly hitting pause.
On top of that, Mosse sprinkles in a fair amount of untranslated French, which adds authenticity, sure, but unless you’ve brushed up on your French, you might be left nodding along and hoping you didn’t just miss something important. A quick translation would have gone a long way, though it does make you feel fancy while reading, even if you’re a little confused.
The mystery itself is gripping, but Mosse plays her cards so close to her chest that readers are left fumbling in the dark for clues. If you’re hoping to play detective, be warned, there are few breadcrumbs here. There are a couple of twists, but some are pretty easy to see coming. A big reveal about the Cathars, for example, feels more like confirmation of something you probably guessed earlier.
Still, Labyrinth makes for an enjoyable read, especially for the summer. It’s light, full of history, and an overall pleasant escape, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of literary greatness. You won’t be scaling any mountains here, but for a bit of time traveling escapism, it does the job nicely. Perfect for a lazy afternoon, just don’t expect it to change your life, or your French vocabulary.
But the pacing? Let’s just say this book has two speeds: sprint and snail. One minute the plot’s racing ahead, leaving you flipping back to figure out what just happened, and the next it slows to a crawl, giving you ample time to ponder life’s big questions, like whether or not you should make a snack. It’s a bit like watching a thriller on fast forward and then suddenly hitting pause.
On top of that, Mosse sprinkles in a fair amount of untranslated French, which adds authenticity, sure, but unless you’ve brushed up on your French, you might be left nodding along and hoping you didn’t just miss something important. A quick translation would have gone a long way, though it does make you feel fancy while reading, even if you’re a little confused.
The mystery itself is gripping, but Mosse plays her cards so close to her chest that readers are left fumbling in the dark for clues. If you’re hoping to play detective, be warned, there are few breadcrumbs here. There are a couple of twists, but some are pretty easy to see coming. A big reveal about the Cathars, for example, feels more like confirmation of something you probably guessed earlier.
Still, Labyrinth makes for an enjoyable read, especially for the summer. It’s light, full of history, and an overall pleasant escape, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of literary greatness. You won’t be scaling any mountains here, but for a bit of time traveling escapism, it does the job nicely. Perfect for a lazy afternoon, just don’t expect it to change your life, or your French vocabulary.