Almost one year ago, after reading The Lotus House, I promised myself to read more by Ann Bennett, an interesting author of historical fiction creating unique stories in complicated historical contexts. I have a very bad track record of keeping my bookish promises, but this time the stars aligned and here I am, about to talk about her latest, The Bookseller of Kathmandu.
The original story starts in the post-2015 earthquake in Nepal and develops into the past of Malay peninsula. The destinies of two women, Chloe, the owner of a popular bookstore in Kathmandu, and Alice, the unhappy daughter of a British empire military, intertwin while trying to build the missing pieces of a tantalizing puzzle. Their destinies mirror each other beyond ages, part of a historical destiny.
The local atmosphere and the historical contexts are described in the smallest details, but the information is intelligently balanced to allow the narrative to find its way. A unique story of love, betrayal and last wishes finding their way through the present in the most unexpected way and of the power of books and the secrets they may keep hidden between their pages.
I felt the magic of reading while discovering this story and the characters stayed with me longer after reaching the end of it. The immediate effect of the power of storytelling. This book restores the power of words, and their truth carried across decades, borders and historical turmoils.
A recommended read to any booklover and believer in the enchanted strength of words.
Rating: 5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
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