Marc Delorse Delorse itibaren Nong Samet, Mueang Trat District, Trat 23000, Thailand
I liked this book. In fact, I really liked it. Flavia De Luce, the main character and narrator is like a child-genius mini-Miss Marple. The story is quirky with plenty of slightly odd characters, the oddest probably being Flavia herself. Alan Bradley has very cleverly captured the child-like qualities in what might otherwise have been a somewhat less than believable character – an 11 year old girl in the 1950s with a penchant for chemistry, especially poisons and a brain way beyond her years – yet some of her thought processes, actions and reactions remind us that she is still only a child. The only downside, and this is purely my own opinion, was that I was left feeling a little deflated by a slightly disappointing outcome. I think there was plenty of room and opportunity for a few more twists and turns and emerging secrets. Overall, however, I thought this was a delightful tale with lots of interesting (though frankly way above my head) information about chemistry and elements of history which are woven cleverly into the body of the plot. I shall be looking out for more Alan Bradley and especially the adorable Flavia De Luce.
I very rarely read criticism that I think is well done, and Basinger's dissection of the careers of people like Valentino and the Talmadge sisters is both entertaining ---she can really write as a learned enthusiast --- and insightful.