A highly contagious book virus, a literary society and a Snow Queen-like disappearing author
'She came to realise that under one reality there's always another. And another one under that.'
Only very special people are chosen by children's author Laura White to join 'The Society', an elite group of writers in the small town of Rabbit Back.
Now a tenth member has been selected: Ella, literature teacher and possessor of beautifully curving lips.
But soon Ella discovers that the Society is not what it seems. What is its mysterious ritual, 'The Game'? What explains the strange disappearance that occurs at Laura's winter party, in a whirlwind of snow? Why are the words inside books starting to rearrange themselves? Was there once another tenth member, before her?
Slowly, disturbing secrets that had been buried come to light...
In this chilling, darkly funny novel, the uncanny brushes up against the everyday in the most beguiling and unexpected of ways.
The Rabbit Back Literature Society is the creme-de-la-creme of the town of Rabbit Back. 9 members strong, the 10th member never having been picked before. Until now. Ella, who is living at home and teaching literature, suddenly becomes the magical number 10. Before she can truly celebrate, however, her welcome party explodes in a shower of snow and she begins to learn that all is not as anyone ever supposes.
This is definitely a book of magical realism, so if that style is not your cup of tea, then this book will not be either. It's by turns engaging, confusing, dark and sinister, and...well...confusing again. I confess that when I turned the last page, I simply felt lost - like I had missed something along the way. With so many other positive reviews, I'm going to assume that I did and maybe this book just wasn't for me.
As for the Finnish names, etc. - I never really had a problem with them. They didn't detract from the story, and it was not difficult at all to tell the various characters apart.
I did enjoy the writing style as a whole - and there were elements within the story that drew me in. It's not a bad thing to finish a book confused, but it's certainly not a place I like to be either. So - read at your own risk. It's probably that you will be among those that really enjoy the book, but it's also possible that you may just end up feeling like you're missing out on the punch line instead.
