A review by samwescott
Titus Alone by Mervyn Peake

2.0

Ok, so think of what it was in the first two books that really captured your attention and love. Was it the overwhelming sense of place that made Gormenghast so rich with details? Was it the style of language that was so absurd and macabre that it made you giggle? Was it the rich, ridiculous characters, with their farcical speaking patterns and personalities? Was it the surreal plot? The richly painted setting? The cunning of the villain? Well, if any of these things were intrinsic to your enjoyment of Titus Groan and Gormenghast, then Titus Alone is going to be a huge disappointment.

I was dreading this book after finishing Gormenghast. Titus was my least favorite character and I did not look forward to spending a book wandering around not-Gormenghast with him. Several of my favorite characters had been *ahem* removed from the plot, but there were still the Prunesquallors and the Professors to keep the comedy going. But, no, they were completely abandoned to follow Titus through his fits of bratty arrogance and anger management issues.

I realize that this book was not meant to be the final Gormenghast book and that Peake had a grand cycle in mind. But I think the best way to honor the author and his work is to read the first two and skip this one. It really can't compare with the grandeur of Gormenghast as it was originally conceived.