A Book A Week

Can you recall the last book that completely caught you off guard? TJ Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea has graced countless best-of lists, with many avid readers passionately declaring it one of their all-time favorites. Nevertheless, having experienced disappointment with hyped books before and considering that the novel didn't fall within my usual preferred genre, Klune's work seemed destined to be one of those titles universally loved but not necessarily deserving of my personal exploration. A couple of years had passed since the release of The House in the Cerulean Sea, and the initial fervor had quieted. The book had slipped off my radar until I noticed it on a friend's recent list of year-end favorites. Intrigued by its enduring acclaim, I finally decided to give the book a read. Surprise, surprise—it surpassed my expectations in ways I hadn't imagined.

Linus Baker lives a life steeped in monotony. His dwelling is a typical abode in an average neighborhood, accompanied by a cunning little cat who grudgingly shares his life. Linus diligently commutes to work daily, strictly adhering to rules and regulations. At 40 years old and carrying some extra weight, he may not strike you as someone destined for anything extraordinary. Linus's seemingly mundane job, however, is far from ordinary. Serving as a caseworker for the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he oversees the well-being of peculiar children in government-sanctioned orphanages. Unfazed by personality or circumstance, Linus is the epitome of objectivity, unwaveringly devoted to following the rules and content in doing so.

Linus experiences a profound shock when an entirely unexpected event unfolds. Summoned to the office of Extremely Upper Management, he is overcome with worry and fear, questioning why, as an exemplary employee, he would find himself in such a situation. To his surprise, he discovers that he is not facing disciplinary action but is assigned a highly classified case instead. His new task involves investigating Marsyas Island Orphanage, a facility housing children with diverse magical abilities. Rumors circulate that one of these children is none other than the offspring of Satan. Linus must confront his fears and employ his experience and objectivity to determine whether the child is, indeed, the Antichrist.

As I started The House in the Cerulean Sea, I was uncertain about its essence. Klune delivers his fantasy with a straightforwardness that might initially be a bit disconcerting. Rather than meticulously detailing his world's rules, the magic within simply exists, gradually unveiling itself as we progress through the narrative. As someone who seldom delves into the genre, I discovered that this approach resonated more with me than those books that dedicate extensive pages to constructing their worlds. Klune trusts his readers to comprehend the realm he has conjured, and I found myself effortlessly immersed in it.

The protagonist, Linus, embodies the epitome of ordinariness, serving as our conduit to absorb the extraordinary elements of the story. The children in the orphanage may initially appear as various magical beings. As we delve deeper, though, we begin to perceive them for what they truly are—innocent youngsters simply trying to navigate the complexities of life. As Linus acquaints himself with each child and their enigmatic caretaker, a man fiercely protective of his charges, we witness the transformation and understanding that blossoms within him. The narrative evolves into a poignant allegory delving into the essence of love and the worthiness of being loved for simply being oneself. It struck a deep chord with me, and I now see why it has enchanted readers the way it has. Ultimately, The House in the Cerulean Sea unfolds as a love story, a testament reminding us that even those labeled "other" are entitled to the same rights as everyone else.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 8)

"Who can live on love alone?"

Who are the authors you automatically gravitate towards? I have several favorite writers, ones I consistently delve into primarily due to my familiarity with their writing style. There's a sense of comfort that accompanies this familiarity, making them a reliable choice for my reading. And then there's Emma Donoghue. Ever since I devoured her 2010 novel Room in a single sitting, I've been a devoted reader of her work. However, I can't claim that any of her subsequent books have resembled that groundbreaking novel. In fact, I return to Donoghue's writing precisely because I can never anticipate what to expect. None of her novels share similarities. Despite the certainty that her next book will be entirely distinct from the last, I am confident that her talent for creating vivid settings, engaging plots, and well-developed characters will consistently captivate me. Her latest work, Learned by Heart, adheres to this tradition.

This time, Donoghue embarks on a literary journey to craft a fictionalized narrative centered around the historical figure Anne Lister. Lister is celebrated for her groundbreaking marriage in 1824, which positioned her as one of the earliest openly lesbian women to enter into matrimony.  Beyond her sexual orientation, Lister is celebrated as a prominent diarist, and it's these well-documented writings that Donoghue extensively researched to construct the foundation of her novel. Before her widely known marriage, Lister spent her formative years as a student at a boarding school for young girls in York. It is within this educational institution that Donoghue's novel takes its starting point.

Eliza Raine, born to a prominent Englishman and his Indian lover, finds herself on the periphery at Miss Hargrave's Manor school. Her mixed heritage and orphaned heiress status set her apart from the other girls, making her an outsider in a place where being different is not encouraged. The school's primary mission is to mold its students into proper women of the era, often stifling any hint of creativity or individuality they possess. Eliza appears to have resigned herself to this fate, believing she must conform.

Destiny, however, has other plans in store. Enter Miss Lister, a force of nature who disrupts the established order. Unlike the other girls, she refuses to conform and insists on being called by her last name, akin to how a man would be addressed. She willingly shares the cramped attic room with Eliza, avoiding the company of the other girls. Lister stands as a stark contrast to Eliza, taking pride in her intelligence and her rebellious nature, fearlessly challenging the status quo. Over time, Eliza will be gently drawn out of her shell, forging an unbreakable bond with Lister in the process.

Learned by Heart may be Emma Donoghue's most deeply personal novel to date. In her author's note, she reveals that nearly three decades of research have gone into this work, acknowledging how her fascination with Anne Lister played a pivotal role in launching her professional career. This deep reverence for her characters resonates vividly within her prose. Typical of Donoghue's writing, she skillfully transports readers back in time and space, this time ensconcing them within the cozy confines of an attic bedroom. It's in these scenes of self-discovery within confinement that the narrative truly comes alive. The exploration of forbidden thoughts, transgressing both school rules and societal norms, injects a palpable tension into the storyline. This tension, juxtaposed with the more familiar elements of coming-of-age storytelling, weaves a captivating narrative.

I'll briefly note that outside of these gripping moments, there are instances where the plot seems to lose its momentum. Donoghue's meticulous research is evident, but the monotony of school lessons and games doesn't significantly propel the story forward. Readers may find themselves eagerly awaiting a return to the central love story. Nevertheless, Learned by Heart captivates with its poignant blend of historical fact and exquisitely crafted fiction. It is a brilliant testament to why Emma Donoghue remains one of my all-time favorite authors. I extend my heartfelt thanks to her publisher for providing me with a copy of this remarkable book.

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 55)