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A review by queerreaderchaos
The Left-Handed Booksellers of London by Garth Nix
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I work in a bookstore and this book just came out in french so, with the recommendation of a colleague, I started The Left-Handed Booksellers to share my thoughs and see if it was worth recommending so near to the Spooky Season! I'm not the best at reviews, so bear with me!
It is normal to find this book a bit confusing at first: you're dropped right into the action, with very little info as to how we got there. But don't worry, it's coming. The story is riddled with action, mixed with a lot of explanation and backstories because, like Susan, we know only a fraction of this world. Some readers might finds some parts repetitive (aka the kidnappings, even I thought it started to get off hand) , or slowed by the ever-coming flow of trivia, but it reads well and we are rewarded with a story rich of folklore, history, and magic. I loved the character of Merlin, with his non-gender conforming sense of fashion and his very peculiar personality (balanced by his sister Vivien)! Susan was interesting, although she took in too well what was happening to her. Don't get me wrong, she responded in her own fashion and had a believable learning trajectory, but I would have freaked out if I was in her place (but that's just me :P ). All in all, I really loved the book, and will definetly talk about it to anyone who wants to hear (or not).
It is normal to find this book a bit confusing at first: you're dropped right into the action, with very little info as to how we got there. But don't worry, it's coming. The story is riddled with action, mixed with a lot of explanation and backstories because, like Susan, we know only a fraction of this world. Some readers might finds some parts repetitive (aka the kidnappings, even I thought it started to get off hand) , or slowed by the ever-coming flow of trivia, but it reads well and we are rewarded with a story rich of folklore, history, and magic. I loved the character of Merlin, with his non-gender conforming sense of fashion and his very peculiar personality (balanced by his sister Vivien)! Susan was interesting, although she took in too well what was happening to her. Don't get me wrong, she responded in her own fashion and had a believable learning trajectory, but I would have freaked out if I was in her place (but that's just me :P ). All in all, I really loved the book, and will definetly talk about it to anyone who wants to hear (or not).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit