From time to time, when the Pleiades star cluster draws an unprecedented pattern in the sky, we pick on earth, among the myriads of books that flourish each year, a singular book, an original story that ravishes all our senses.
This is the case of B.A. Summer’s new novel: Sole Brethren - Left to their own devices.
I literally devoured this colorful story, the second in the Sole Brethren series, and even after turning the final page, I still get the impression that on every street corner (I live in Paris, one of the emblematic places of the novel) the three glamorous heroes, Cordelia Rex and Elodie, will suddenly appear and that they will invite me to accompany them in their glamorous and fantastic adventures.
This novel is of incredible creative richness: all at once a magical realism story, an epicurean text, a treatise on gastronomy and oenology, a police investigation in the style of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, except the Author substituted Art theft to murders, a comprehensive portrait of the artist, an erudite guide for the contemplative traveler (UK, France, Italy, Belgium etc.), a funny and inventive modern tale, and, last but not least, a magnificent tribute to the women who have left their mark on our world history.
And what a brilliant style!
The novel contains language treasures: fine and witty wordplays, hilarious repartees, multicultural literary and cinematic references, relevant mix of slang and sustained language, multilingualism etc.
What a joy to read!
As the 233 pages progress, we see these colorful characters emerge in a fantasy reality and suddenly we, readers, happen to share the author's ultimate dream life.
Well done, Mrs B.A. Summer! Or should I say: “Boticelli!”
