Play Book Tag discussion

The Gargoyle is a story of love, history, mental illness, immortality, and obsession. The writing is well-done, funny, touching sometimes a bit graphic. The author's descriptions of the main characters burns were the only thing that made me put the book down at times. Not that it wasn’t done well, only that I had a difficult time reading about it. The story flows well and is often a poetic journey, along with such beautiful imagery throughout the entire story.
Marianne is deeply devoted to the narrator and he becomes devoted to her over time, but there is rarely that one touching conversation between the two of them in the present or in the past. There is so much sacrifice, especially for Marianne, but it never became very intimate or the kind of story that would bring me to tears. I could never quite decide how crazy she really was. Is she schizophrenic and bipolar or is she really a nun from 1700s Germany? Her stories were beautiful and always seemed to have some sort of deep meaning, as though she is preparing the narrator for something but I was never quite sure what. Marianne was my favorite character, fascinating, mysterious, maybe a little crazy.
The narrator was once an attractive man, but with an ugly soul. The car accident leaves him brutally scared, matching his cold soul. He has no family and no real friends so it is Marianne, the crazy stranger who guides him in his path of healing. Not just his body, but his mind, heart, and soul. She seems to know him as no other ever has.
The book itself didn't quite grab my attention as I wanted it too. I never felt the powerful grip of love between the two characters that was supposed to be at the heart of the book. But I have to say that I was fascinated by the story from the beginning. It isn't your typical love story and the narrator really does have so many flaws to redeem. There is a moment towards the end in which he tells her of his love, but it just did not impact me as it was designed to do.
The journey the narrator takes you on is one of how to really connect with other people and to grow to love yourself, regardless of whether or not the outside no longer reflects what is on the inside.
This was Andrew Davidson's first novel and it really was well done. He is Canadian.

Very nice review Rachel. While searching for something to read in honer of Jolene I saw she had read and rated this 4 stars and also noticed the author was Canadian-but I really was in need, lately, of some lighter reads. At 4 stars, seems you enjoyed it too. Hopefully down the the road I will find time for it

I haven’t read this one for over a decade. But at the time I strangely loved it. So glad you picked it up Rachel. I like to think I’m still on my streak with you.

Lovely review, Rachel. I don’t think this would fit my current reading mood (I’m embedded in ‘The Weight of Ink’ and loving it) but your recommendation makes me think I might come back to it in future

Amy wrote: "I haven’t read this one for over a decade. But at the time I strangely loved it. So glad you picked it up Rachel. I like to think I’m still on my streak with you."

You are still on a hot streak. I loved the book, I only wish the love story had been a little more considering But it was very good. He is a great writer.

Joanne wrote: "Very nice review Rachel. While searching for something to read in honer of Jolene I saw she had read and rated this 4 stars and also noticed the author was Canadian-but I really was in need, lately..."

Thank you. I did not know Jolene has also read this. Now I'm so happy I read this book, with Amy's recommendation.

KateNZ wrote: "Lovely review, Rachel. I don’t think this would fit my current reading mood (I’m embedded in ‘The Weight of Ink’ and loving it) but your recommendation makes me think I might come back to it in future"

One day come back to this one. It is worth the read. Glad you are loving the Weight of Ink.

I am at 95% for weight of Ink... again, those darn kids and life can interrupt the end of a fabulous book!

Amy wrote: "I am at 95% for weight of Ink... again, those darn kids and life can interrupt the end of a fabulous book!"

My kids are older so that sure helps. But they really never grow up. I've had over ten text messages just in the last hour.:)