Lost in a Good Book

In which we’re delighted.

fforde2.jpg

Jasper Fforde has to be the best thing that’s happened to book-freaks in recent years. Not only are his novels «ripping good yarns» of the sort that you really can’t put down, but the way he weaves his way through literary history is fascinating to watch and also makes for laugh-out-loud moments too frequently to make this safe reading on the bus (that is, if you care when people stare at you, which I, personally, don’t).

Lost in a Good Book is every bit as good as The Eyre Affair, which means I’m now dreading coming to the end of The Well of Lost Plots – currently the last book in the series. I could always hang around thursdaynext.com for a bit, but waiting for another book is going to be just as bas as it usually is. Well, we’re not quite there yet – a few more hours of enjoyment before we arrive in waiting hell.

The Eyre Affair

In which we shout Eureka! (A good book at last!)

fforde.jpg

I had been intrigued by the titles of Jasper Fforde’s books before, so when I was at a loose end for something to read while waiting to see a doctor the other day, I picked up The Eyre Affair. This is just great! Finally another series of ‘sci-fi’ books that I can really get into! And how – just need to go buy the two other ones, now. The only problem with The Eyre Affair was I found myself wishing I lived in that world – especially when Thursday (the main character’s called Thursday Next, and even that makes my day) and Landen go to a performance of Richard III. It’s a bit like The Rocky Horror Show in our world. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with Rocky Horror, but Richard III it ain’t. Suffering from Thursday-envy.

Oh, and best of all: I finally got a happy ending. (Except, of course, it’s not really an ending as the story continues, but still, I’m happy.)

There’s even a website, in case the novels leave you wanting more (which they probably will).