Joana Magalh Magalh itibaren Zavosyna, Zakarpats'ka oblast, Ukrayna
Surprisingly good story-telling of such an oft-told tale. Enjoyed the book and will read the next, crusade adventure.
This is a simple mystery tale mixed into the real-life events of Beatrix Potter, the British illustrator and author. There are also portions told in the sort of fantasy setting of Beatrix Potter's own books. In other words, when the humans aren't looking, the animals start talking. Neither of the mysteries presented in the novel are grim or hard-boiled, and combined with the fantasy elements, the result is a very sweet story, good for a diversion, but hardly serious. There's a very obvious modern tone, as well, judging the Edwardian society of the setting. I couldn't help but notice how all the sympathetic characters are also the open-minded ones, and how many times Albert finds a way to have a character comment unhappily on this or that strict notion of the time (for example, it being improper for a lady to ride a bicycle, or for a lady to refer to a man by his first name, etc.). But that's probably the easiest way to handle the cultural difference with a light touch.
Good story and very well-realized main character/narrator; the author does a wonderful job of helping the reader relate to someone most people normally woudln't.
Slow start. Dark and disturbing, but excellent writing