Oscar Wilde E Il Gioco Della Morte (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
Although there are still instances of 'let me tell you something fascinating-but-unnecessary about Oscar Wilde', this was a far more enjoyable read than the first book. The plot was ingenious – quite Agatha Christie-esque, I thought – and satisfying. My biggest frustration is that despite all the descriptions, I never feel that Oscar is real. He's a collection of wonderful clothes (the bottle-green winter coat with an astrakhan collar was mercifully absent this time around) and pithy bon mots, lover of beauty and paragon of frivolousness, but more than that I still don't know. Perhaps next time? If you've ever entertained the desire to hobnob with Oscar Wilde, this book is for you. Though I found the mystery engaging and at times intense, the book revolves around the fop playwright and his friends having luncheon, drinking, and smoking. And what friends they are! The straight-laced Arthur Conan Doyle complains about Sherlock Holmes, hoping that character isn't all people will remember him by. Bram Stoker booms his laugh. And the adorable but potential-sociopath Bosie holds Wilde in his thrall.The premise is that the deductive powers of Sherlock Holmes were based at least in part on the mega-mind that was Oscar Wilde, and let's face it, the only thing that can make a detective more interesting than the big SH himself is heart-seeking wit and an arsenal of quips. The author portrays Wilde with spooky clarity, both his charm and his failings, and after reading this book you'll feel you met him.The author commands not only quips and perfection of character but also weaves as much history as possible into the story. The grid is introduced, as well as the rules for modern boxing. (The latter should interest zero percent of the book's target market, but at least it's nice historical flavor.)I have a suggestion to best enjoy the novel: Skip the epilogue / afterward. It summarizes what happens to the primary (non-murdered) characters after the story, recounting their achievements and demises. I found it depressing after the satisfying final chapter. Leave it for later, if at all.
What do You think about Oscar Wilde E Il Gioco Della Morte (2008)?
Leggerino e facilmente leggibile. Divertente Oscar Wilde nel ruolo di detective ante litteram.
—Hazzelmb
Il secondo libro della serie. Divertente... da leggere se adorate Oscar Wilde come me
—brylee
I did not like the ending of this one. I wanted something more sensational!
—matt
This was fun...very Sherlock Holmes-like.
—sycodiz
