Sang froid

     Having loved Sally Gardner's marvellous novel I, Coriander (see this post) I was very keen to find out how well her next book compared, and I'm glad to say that The Red Necklace does not disappoint - should that sound like damning with faint praise, let me make it clear that it is terrific!
     Beginning in Paris in 1789, moving to London and back to the seat of the revolution and reign of terror, the book's beautifully deployed historical setting is the backdrop for a tale of romance and adventure, blackmail and intrigue, and - crucially - magic. It has great charm and dash, and an engaging hero in the form of the young gypsy Yann Margoza. His counterpart is the aristocratic Sido who shows equal pluck and who will feature, with Yann, in the recently published sequel, The Silver Blade.
     Written for older children or adults of any age, it is a story marked by the imagination of its creator. What could have been a straightforward tale of derring-do in the shadow of the guillotine becomes a contest between good and evil - it has a very sinister, chilling villain - and a study of courage and of 'coming into one's own': "Many men spend their lives living in the wrong corner of their souls, mainly out of fear of what they might find on the other side," says the impecunious actor Mr. Trippen who [like a couple of people I know!] has an apt quotation for every situation. There is a depth to the book which enriches it but doesn't detract from its pace or its passion; splendidly vivid, it is very entertaining, and I can't wait to find out what happens next!  

Comments

[bookwitch]

They're marvellous, aren't they? I must get round to reading I Coriander, which has been waiting for far too long.

[Constance]

Glad to have seen this! I liked I Coriander, which reminded me of some Pamela Belle historicals I love (Wintercombe and several books which follow).