Diane Setterfield
2013
'Rooks are made of thought and memory. They know everything and they do not forget.'
Ok, so I think everyone and their dog has read or at least heard good things about Diane Setterfield's debut, The Thirteenth Tale. It was a twisty and chilling book about books that I completely adored (and I'm more than a little excited for the adaptation). Because of that earlier experience I was ridonkulously excited to receive a copy of this to review from NetGalley. Seriously, a squeal escaped these lips. But oh Diane, really Diane, this is your follow up? It actually pains me to say it but I did not enjoy this book *shakes head despondently*.
As a child William Bellman takes a pop at a rook and catches it right on target, killing it instantly. Being young, naive and innocent, William does not even consider how his actions could have repercussions for the rest of his life. As a young man he lives a charmed life until a series of tragedies and the appearance of a mysterious man in black. It is in the wake of this appearance that the business 'Bellman and Black' is created.
This book is pegged as a ghost story. This is my first problem with it - though there are a ton of deaths (seriously, not sure many people survive this novel), the tension needed to make it truly a ghost story is never quite there. And if someone could point out the climax for me, that would be wonderful because I think I completely missed it. The prologue sets the story up so well, particularly the omnipresence of the rooks, but unfortunately what came after just missed the mark.
Having said that, the writing in this novel is completely mind-blowingly awesome at points. This alone makes up for the lack of tension and uninteresting plot. I loved how there seemed to be two voices - the narrator of Bellman's story and this other separate and objective voice commenting on the history and language of the rooks. Whether intended or not, I thought this was successful. Plus, I found all the little knowledge tidbits about rooks really interesting. I can't say I knew that much about the birds (not much of a surprise) but I did enjoy learning about the various collective nouns and superstitions. Thanks for the lesson, Diane.
Basically, Bellman and Black was a let down. But I will not be put off because the writing alone made it an enjoyable reading experience. I look forward to whatever Diane Setterfield comes up with next. I just hope it's a little more exciting.
'There are numerous collective nouns for rooks. In some parts people say a storytelling of rooks.'
I received my copy of Bellman and Black from the publisher via NetGalley.
