Wow, what a book! It seems like I've been in a pattern of
rating books a 3 or 4 lately and haven't given out a 5 since Kimberly
McCreight's outstanding Reconstructing
Amelia. However, that's all about to
change with Lauren Owen's spectacular debut novel The Quick, a haunting (literally) novel that will take your breath
away and keep your heart in a constant state of racing.
As most reviewers of this
book have already stated, you can't write too much without giving too much
away. The Quick is best left up to the reader to unfold its many, many
layers. The bare bones: Charlotte and
James Norbury are an English brother and sister growing up on a large estate in
the late 1800s. When writer James grows
up, he moves to London and finds himself getting involved with a young
aristrocrat, soon being introduced to all that is London high society. Then, without warning, he goes missing, and
Charlotte is desperate to find him. Her
journey for the truth is bone-chilling and filled with unforgettable characters
(some of whom you wish you COULD forget).
And that's all I can say
without spoiling it; your job now is to run to the bookstore and get yourself a
copy (well, when it comes out in June 2014).
You won't be disappointed and will find yourself staying up late into
the night to find out what happens. Fabulous debut!
