Saturday, October 20, 2012

Two Novels: Ruinous Lace & Night Circus

I have been sitting on the fence about reading this new lacy novel, leaning one way and then the other; not quite ready to jump.  Reviews have been intriguing and so I lean forward, almost deciding to read.  Then I read between the lines of "point of view of the dog" comments and pull back, hesitating.

The Ruins of Lace, by Iris Anthony


I'm a dog lover and a sentimental. There are hints (inklings) in reviews that the dog portrayed in the novel may be mistreated.  If said canine is abused or worse, put to death, for the sake of lace, I will be emotionally wounded. Perhaps even scarred.

And so I checked out this book from the library instead:


The Night Circcus, by Erin Morgenstern

Whooo-boy!  Has it been a fantastic ride so far: imagine tripping down a magical lane with a rare Victorian Circus as the venue and two competing illusionists driving the plot.

**SPOILERS**
Having fallen under its spell, I worry that elements of parental cruelty found in early chapters of this book may ultimately lead me to or over the ruinous edge. The two illusionists are bound in a pact. Will they ultimately outwit and escape their fate? Or be doomed to a duel to the death?

The descriptive passages in this book are, to me, captivating and engrossing. Those who prefer dialog to description may not relish this book as much as I.  That said, it is a superb distraction from The Ruins of Lace, by Iris Anthony.

If you enjoy fantasy novels, I would say read the reviews and consider The Night Circus.

As for The Ruins of Lace, I'm still sitting on the fence. 

5 comments:

Cindy said...

I think I'm more compelled to read the Ruins of Lace, even though any such cruelty in the name of lace would be distressing! The magical stuff just confuses me :)

Sharren - Tatting in Greenwood, South Carolina said...

I've just read a review of this book at the literatehousewife.com - from her comments, I think this is a book that I'll leave on the shelf.

As a dog lover myself, I don't think I could read this one.

Carol Schockling Lawecki said...

I read the Night Circus and enjoyed it. It was magical and I really felt transported to the time, almost like I was there. It was very well written that it pulls you in.

Fox said...

Night Circus sounds like my kind of book! Thanks for the heads up!
Fox : ))

Michelle said...

Thanks to you, I won a copy of ruins of lace! I'm starting it tonight!