The book is set in 1960's Boston in an urban area that is scheduled for regeneration. The novel is narrated by Fermin, a rat who lives in the basement of a run down bookstore. Fermin was the runt of the litter and always last in line to get food. In order to stay alive he start nibbling on the books in the shop. After a while he gains the ability to read. He thinks and sounds more like a human than a rat. At the begining of the novel if I hadn't already know in advance that I wouldn't have realised he was a rat.
Firmin is a gallant soul who is gifted and wise. He is shunned by his fellow rats and makes plans to befriend the bookseller. In addition to reading books Firmin has a fondness of the local picture house where he views what he calls his lovelies on the big screen.
The book is very philosophical and has well drawn characters, and Fermin is quite charming. The book is interspersed with pictures of characters and events that Fermin encounters along the way, I found these quite charming. Before each chapter there were also pictures of book covers these didn't really add a lot for me.
I really enjoyed the book and found it quite a page turner.
Firmin is a gallant soul who is gifted and wise. He is shunned by his fellow rats and makes plans to befriend the bookseller. In addition to reading books Firmin has a fondness of the local picture house where he views what he calls his lovelies on the big screen.
The book is very philosophical and has well drawn characters, and Fermin is quite charming. The book is interspersed with pictures of characters and events that Fermin encounters along the way, I found these quite charming. Before each chapter there were also pictures of book covers these didn't really add a lot for me.
I really enjoyed the book and found it quite a page turner.
11 comments:
Sounds interesting. Makes you wonder where people get these ideas.
Another one to add to my list! I do enjoy your reviews, Cherie.
Rob - It is are rather unusual book. The main backdrop to the story is a true scenario, but when the author started writing the book he didn't realise the narrator was a rat.
Welshcakes - I am glad you enjoy them. I am quite surprised I have read so many in such a short time. Maybe just catching up from last year when I struggled to read any.
Hi Cherrypie.
I like the sound of that book very much, definitely on my 'must buy list'.
Di.x
Hi Trubes :-) It is lovely to see you, I hope you enjoy the book when you get a chance to read it.
What a novel concept for a novel! Sounds very interesting to me and I shall look out for it.
JMB - It was rather an unusual read, it left me thinking!
Thanks for the recommendation, it sounds really interesting.
Ellee - If you ever get chance to read it, I will be interested in your thoughts on it.
Sounds good, cherrypie. Another to put on my list. (Big sigh - it just gets longer and longer ...)
Liz - That sounds just like me list...
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