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3.14 AVERAGE
3.14 AVERAGE
In some ways I feel like I'm being too kind to this book because I see the flaws others see in it. It's very slow paced. A lot of the story is hidden in metaphor and a little bogged down by minutia, especially in part one. (Although, in retrospect, the excessive detail fits with Bellman's obsessive-compulsive nature.)
I stuck with the book because I love Setterfield's writing style, but I didn't feel like I really liked the story until part two. That's where I feel the story takes its turn into a subtle, creepy tone that builds for the rest of the novel. Bellman's character also becomes much more compelling to me at this point.
To anyone thinking about reading this book, I would suggest reading The Thirteenth Tale if you haven't already. And if you're going to read Bellman & Black, don't go in expecting a ghost story, even though that's what the cover says. The argument can be made that it is one, but you'll be disappointed if you're expecting a traditional ghost story. This book is not for everyone, but if you want something that'll make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck (and don't mind that the first half is a bit slow), this is worth a read.
I stuck with the book because I love Setterfield's writing style, but I didn't feel like I really liked the story until part two. That's where I feel the story takes its turn into a subtle, creepy tone that builds for the rest of the novel. Bellman's character also becomes much more compelling to me at this point.
To anyone thinking about reading this book, I would suggest reading The Thirteenth Tale if you haven't already. And if you're going to read Bellman & Black, don't go in expecting a ghost story, even though that's what the cover says. The argument can be made that it is one, but you'll be disappointed if you're expecting a traditional ghost story. This book is not for everyone, but if you want something that'll make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck (and don't mind that the first half is a bit slow), this is worth a read.
This was beautifully written and I really enjoyed reading it. However, at the end I felt like I missed something important. I knew it was about death and I knew the ghost story wasn’t supposed to be an obvious, modern version of a ghost story. It just didn’t feel like it all came together at the end, but it was so well-written and planned out - that’s why I felt like I must have missed something.
I really loved this. Poignant, multi-layered, almost folktale-esque. Really great stuff.
not a ghost story but certainly a gothic tale, in my oppinion. The constant presence of death seemed very accurate of real life, and the lack of compassion from the author showed an interesting perspective. Too much emphasis on the job of the protagonist, and none on the atmosphere or emotions.
http://justaddchampagne.blogspot.ca/2013/09/book-review-bellman-and-black-by-diane.html
(received by netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
The novel is about William Bellman. As a child playing around with his friends, he bets that he can hit a rook with his slingshot. Amazingly he did and that little action is the consequence for the rest of his life.
William is very determined and is one of those guys that whatever he does he puts his heart and soul into it and it turns to a very profitable business. With a series of very unfortunate events and seeing this figure dressed in black from time to time, as well as everyone he knows seems to dies William enters a very strange business deal- Bellman and Black . Bellman and Black is basically a store that sells and take care of all funeral arrangements.
I wanted to like this more than I did. I rated this 3 stars because of that. Throughout the book, while it was an interesting premise and I wanted to keep reading, I kept thinking... is this it? With such a great first part, I felt the later fell short. I didn't find it eery as so many people have been commenting on. I didn't think it was this was a ghost story either. I get why some would say that...but maybe I missed something.
I think I didn't like that we knew nothing of "Mr. Black". Yet, we knew everything about William, his family, the mill business, but nothing of substance of Black Why was he 'haunting' William. What was the point. Was he the incarnation of the rook that William killed in his childhood? So many questions, but no answers were really given? The reasons for the partnership didn't even really matter in the end either.
That being said, Diane Setterfield has great writing skills. And I think that is why I kept reading. She draws you in and describes characters and scenes beautifully. I mean, I could run a dye mill with all her details. She also uses the rook as an analogy throughout the entire story, which ties in the theme.
From reading this, I will definitely put The Thirteenth Tale higher up on my to read list.
And to think one little outing with friends turns out to be a defining feature in the rest of your life...
(received by netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
The novel is about William Bellman. As a child playing around with his friends, he bets that he can hit a rook with his slingshot. Amazingly he did and that little action is the consequence for the rest of his life.
William is very determined and is one of those guys that whatever he does he puts his heart and soul into it and it turns to a very profitable business. With a series of very unfortunate events and seeing this figure dressed in black from time to time, as well as everyone he knows seems to dies William enters a very strange business deal- Bellman and Black . Bellman and Black is basically a store that sells and take care of all funeral arrangements.
I wanted to like this more than I did. I rated this 3 stars because of that. Throughout the book, while it was an interesting premise and I wanted to keep reading, I kept thinking... is this it? With such a great first part, I felt the later fell short. I didn't find it eery as so many people have been commenting on. I didn't think it was this was a ghost story either. I get why some would say that...but maybe I missed something.
I think I didn't like that we knew nothing of "Mr. Black". Yet, we knew everything about William, his family, the mill business, but nothing of substance of Black Why was he 'haunting' William. What was the point. Was he the incarnation of the rook that William killed in his childhood? So many questions, but no answers were really given? The reasons for the partnership didn't even really matter in the end either.
That being said, Diane Setterfield has great writing skills. And I think that is why I kept reading. She draws you in and describes characters and scenes beautifully. I mean, I could run a dye mill with all her details. She also uses the rook as an analogy throughout the entire story, which ties in the theme.
From reading this, I will definitely put The Thirteenth Tale higher up on my to read list.
And to think one little outing with friends turns out to be a defining feature in the rest of your life...
I loved this book. The writing was spectacular and the story imaginative and satisfying. Top ten on my list.
I really wasn't sure what to expect from this novel and it was certainly different than anything I could have guessed. And yet, I really enjoyed it. There was a point in the middle where I needed to take a break because the story was so heartbreaking but it's a beautiful look at what grief can do to a person and how people can become stuck in order not to face that grief.
2.5 stars (and honestly that last half a star came from the very last line of the book, so...)
I absolutely loved the Thirteenth Tale, and I was expecting this book to live up to that one's legacy. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The writing was decent, but the intrigue just wasn't there. I felt myself forcing my way through the book.
I absolutely loved the Thirteenth Tale, and I was expecting this book to live up to that one's legacy. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The writing was decent, but the intrigue just wasn't there. I felt myself forcing my way through the book.
Nie wiem czemu ta książka ma aż tak słabe opinie w internecie... co prawda nie była to historia na poziomie innej powieści autorki "Trzynasta Opowieść", ale aż tak źle tez nie było!
I enjoyed the writing in this novel quiet a lot, but unfortunately found myself comparing it to the Thirteenth Tale. Which I guess is the downfall for this book, because it will not be the The Thirteenth Tale as much as I would have like to extend that book for another 390 pages. So it left me thinking would I have enjoyed this more if I hadn't read the other book first. Or would I have even ever have picked it up if I hadn't.
Do your best to read this book for itself and it is really charming. Not as gripping as I thought it might be, but thoroughly readable and interesting slice into the life of Victoriana where death was mourned and celebrated, with shades of the supernatural woven in.
Do your best to read this book for itself and it is really charming. Not as gripping as I thought it might be, but thoroughly readable and interesting slice into the life of Victoriana where death was mourned and celebrated, with shades of the supernatural woven in.