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| This is the cover I own, isn't it pretty! |
READING LEVEL: Young adult
HARDCOVER: 378 pages
PUBLISHER: Orion Children's books (2007)
Summary:
The novel begins in 18th century France, on the cusp of the French Revolution and centres around a mysterious Gypsy boy name Yann Margoza (who possess the uncanny ability to throw his voice and know what others are thinking).
Yann's life changes forever when the magician he works for agrees to stage a private performance for a rich nobleman. This ill-fated performance brings Yann into contact with shy but kind Sido and the sinister Count Kalliovski,(a man as feared as the devil himself). Though Yann does not know it yet, these two people will send his life spiralling into a tale of love, danger and magic.
During the revolution no one is safe.
Review:
I first came across The Red Necklace at the library when I was fourteen.
At that point, I was going through a phase where I pretty much exclusively read historical fiction (I went through a lot of phases, the most memorable being when a twelve year old me refused to read anything that wasn't written from the point of view of a girl) so this kind of book definitely appealed to me.
Also, the cover was stunning, which I always consider a point in favour of any book.
Last year I bought my very own copy, in near mint condition from a library sale, which caused me no end of satisfaction. Since then, I've probably read it another two or three times.
I guess the point I'm trying to make is that I really really really like this book, like a lot!
Unlike a lot of young adult novels I've read, The Red Necklace kept me enthralled to the very last page.
The characters are well written, especially Kalliovski, who pretty much oozes evil-I-will-kill-everyone-sinisterness.
The rich descriptions and imagery, as well as the setting gave the book a kind of gothic feel which I really liked!
Overall I would highly recommend this book, especially if you are a fan of stories that are set in the French Revolution and have great villains!
It's not a super hard read, you could easily get through it in a couple of days (or hours depending on the speed at which you read).
The audiobook version (though abridged) is read by Tom Hiddleston (he could read the phone book and make it sound amazing) so I would really recommend listening to it!
If you like the Red Necklace, Sally Gardner has also written a sequel, The Silver Blade.
If you have (or do) read this book, tell me what you thought of it in the comments :)
Favourite excerpts:
'"But you said sir, that he can see into the future, into the minds of men. I am merely asking what he sees."
"Watches, snuff boxes, trinkets, bonbons, and the like," said Topolain. He felt he was losing his grip. What on earth had come over Yann, that he would say something so dangerous?
"Humour me," the young man persisted.
Yann looked out at all the fine ladies and gentlemen, at the emeralds, rubies, and diamonds that glittered on wilted flesh. Louis de Jonquieres appeared to be holding his blood-soaked head under his arm. Yann blinked, hoping the vision would go away, only to see Death walk into the room. He wanted to keep silent, but it was as if he were possessed.
He heard the Pierrot say, "I see you all drowning in blood."'
'Many rumours circulated about Kalliovski, which he encouraged. When asked his age he would say he was as old as Charlemagne. When asked about his great black wolfhound, Balthazar, he would say that he had never been without the dog. One thing, though, was certain: Many were his mistresses and no one was his wife.
The secret of his success lay in the absence of emotion. Over the years he had learned how to empty himself of sentiment, to keep himself free of passion. Love he considered to be a blind spot on the map of the soul.
He had an iron-clad heart. His motto was one that should have warned all who knew him of his true nature, but a greedy man only sees the purse of gold before him.
Count Kalliovski's motto was simple: Have no mercy, show no mercy.'
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