15 Oct 2010

THE CONJUROR'S BIRD.



It seems like a long time ago that Fitz and Gabby were together, with his work on extinct species about to make him world-famous. Now, it's his career that is almost extinct.

Suddenly, though, the beautiful Gabby is back in his life. She wants his help in tracing the history of The Mysterious Bird of Ulieta, a creature once owned by the great 18th century naturalist Joseph Banks.

It soon becomes clear that Fitz is getting involved in something more complicated - and dangerous - than the search for a stuffed bird. And to solve the puzzle, he must uncover the identity of the extraordinary woman Banks loved - a woman who has disappeared from history as effectively as he specimen he is hunting.
....... From the outer back cover.

FIRST SENTENCE: That Thursday evening I was working late, removing the skull of a dead owl.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: As his debts grew she felt the trap closing, yet even as she watched her father edging towards ruin she was aware of her love for him like a sharpening pain.

You know how you sometimes read a book, and though it is readable enough, it is just lacking a certain something or other. Well, this just about sums The Conjuror's Bird up.

A mixture of fact and fiction, past and present, this is an interesting first novel all about love, loss and the search for a mysterious bird, a blend of "part thriller, part love story, part quest" as the blurb on the back cover tells us.

The interweaving of two stories within the one book is, in places, quite complicated as the author alternates between the totally fictional story of 'Fitz' Fitzgerald and the partly factual story of Joseph Banks.

Slow to start, The Conjurors Bird does gather a certain amount of momentum but still stops short of being an enthralling story. As for the characters, these are colourful enough but without fail you are left feeling unfilled by them, wanting (no, needing) to know more.

Not just about the search for the Bird of Ulieta, I found the story for the search for Banks' Miss B much more appealing and readable.

Ex-library stock, this novel was purchased at our local library.

21 comments:

serendipity_viv said...

I was hoping for better with this one. I bought it ages ago and still haven't read it. I won't rush now.

Christina Lee said...

That first line is killer though ;--)

chitra said...

For me your reviews are sufficient. It just gives me a gist of everything.
Lot travel for me...hence irregular.

Mary (Bookfan) said...

Sorry it didn't meet your expectations. The "story within a story" can be tough to pull off. At least you enjoyed part of it. I agree with chitra - your reviews tell me what I want/need to know.

SG said...

Nice review. Thanks for the forewarning.

Darlyn said...

I kind of like the book cover but we can never judge only on that, right? Thanks for sharing!

Misha said...

This book on my TBR. But thankfully I read your review.

Gina said...

Enjoyed your review. My what an interesting color choice for the cover..though surprisingly it works well with the picture. That first sentence definitely makes me wonder what his past times include....or maybe not. O_O Too bad it didn't reach it's full potential in your eyes though....hate it when that happens. Thanks for sharing...and happy reading!

Betty Manousos said...

It sounds like a book of great narrative power and insight!
Thanks for sharing.
Another interesting review, my friend,
You're so talented!

B xx

Alyce said...

I hadn't heard of this one, and definitely will be letting it pass by.

Carrie at In the Hammock Blog said...

this cover is absolutely gorgeous! thanks for stopping by my blog!

Anonymous said...

Hi. I'm here for the hop. Thanks so much for dropping by my blog. I really love the layout of your blog, especially the translation section with all the flags. I've been to the Olympics once and seeing people from everywhere was amazing. The flags remind me of that. Have a great Friday!

Jenners said...

You have to love that opening sentence though ... even it lacked a certain something.

Laurel-Rain Snow said...

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Hope you'll hop my way....

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Oddyoddyo13 said...

I was kind of confused by the concept...they were looking for a stuffed bird?!

Or maybe it's just me that fails to see the fun there.

Kelly said...

Sorry to hear it didn't live up to your expectations. It does have an interesting cover, though!

Suko said...

Petty, I stopped by earlier but ran out of time to leave a comment, so I am back. :)

Sorry this book didn't quite meet your expectations. May the next book "knock your socks off"! :)

Kavita Saharia said...

Since i followed your blog ,i am learning so much about the books which i would have probably never come across...thanks for the fabulous review.
Happy Weekend !

Arti said...

The book cover and the first line had really got me in!
I think I would have bought this book if I hadnt read your review... Thanks!
Have a lovely weekend:)

The Bookworm said...

Sorry it dissappointed a bit. That first sentence is great. And I liked the memorable moment also.

http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/

dr.antony said...

I don't know. I cannot enjoy the weird and out of the world themes.
May be,my age