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High in his attic bedroom, twelve-year-old David mourns the death of his mother, with only the books on his shelf for company. But those books have begun to whisper to him in the darkness. Angry and alone, he takes refuge in his imagination and soon finds that reality and fantasy have begun to meld. While his family falls apart around him, David is violently propelled into a world that is a strange reflection of his own -- populated by heroes and monsters and ruled by a faded king who keeps his secrets in a mysterious book, The Book of Lost Things. Taking readers on a vivid journey through the loss of innocence into adulthood and beyond, New York Times bestselling author John Connolly tells a dark and compelling tale that reminds us of the enduring power of stories in our lives.
I must admit to not thinking the subject matter of this book would fascinate me. I don't typically enjoy books I think will be heavy on mythological references, and that's what I expected from Mr. Connolly's latest.I bought the book a month ago on the strength of my respect for Mr. Connolly's writing, and the book sat on my shelf whilst I finished at least nine other books. All the while, I kept glancing at it, both wanting to read it and fearing I'd not like it. Finally, like David's books in the story Connolly weaves for us, this one called to me, spoke to me of its contents, and I took it off the shelf and began to read.Began and finished in less than 36 hours, as I was unable to put it down any longer than it would take to dine with a friend, teach a class, make a meal, or get some much-needed shuteye.If you're hesitant to pick this one up because it's not part of the Charlie Parker series, stop hesitating and do it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.There are so many beautifully-crafted images and themes running throughout this story that it's hard to pick just a few, and harder still to do so without revealing important plot elements and thus negatively affecting other readers' experiences.The language is wonderful. Mr. Connolly is always good at using English to weave wonderful word-paintings, but he's especially good in this novel. Several times, I found myself awestruck by the clarity of my mental pictures. For me, that only happens when a writer creates something powerfully descriptive and evocative.The characters are similarly finely-drawn, and from the start, I cared about them, wanted to learn more about them, was both excited and solicitous (or horror-struck and appalled, as the characters demanded) as their journeys unfolded.I found myself recalling many of the myths I'd read as a child, and that alone was incredible. I didn't realize how much I'd read back then, or how those memories could surface when confronted with Mr. Connolly's references and embellishments.I loved sharing young David's journey even though at times I found it as bloody and nightmarish as Charlie Parker's has been; each step David took seemed to be mine as well, each realization hitting me almost as hard as it hit him. That's saying something, since one of the main themes of this book--the loss of a loved one, and the longing, guilt, and jealousy that can come after such a loss--isn't new to most of us. It's the way that David journeys to self-awareness that makes all the difference. His healing and his newfound compassion for people he'd previously dismissed or disparaged, even considered betraying, are all the more meaningful because of how hard-won they are. His courage, too, reminds me of how powerful even a child's spirit can be. He rises to each challenge and becomes a man in the course of his travels, both the literal ones and the ones of his spirit.I was sad at book's end, mostly because I wanted more, but David's journey was done. I hope to share it with other people as soon as the book is out in paperback. Right now I don't want to hand anyone my hardcover copy; it's still very close to my heart, and it isn't going anywhere just yet!Give this one a go; don't compare it to the Parker series or to Mr. Connolly's shorter writings. Open it up; accept it on its own terms; let it into your heart. ENJOY.
