To start, this is one of the best looking books I've seen in years. The art department did a beautiful job, not just with the cover but with the whole design of the work. It begins most intriguingly. I won't really bother with plot description as an entire synopsis is given at the top of the book's page. The characters of Emil and Mrs. Sparrow were well-drawn, their relationship clear. He's a hard-headed bureaucrat; she's a mystic who runs a gambling establishment with 'fortune-telling' on the side. She convinces him that a 'tarot' set-up called the Octavo will lead him to the happiness of 'love and connection' that he so desires and needs to keep his job. So far, so good. But there's also a heavy-helping of political intrigue, magical fans, and historical inevitability in the novel which weighs it down and keeps it from being the completely fascinating book I hoped for. It doesn't help that the entire plot is betrayed before you even start the book by the unfortunate decision to put a time-line of the historical events even before the title page. Therefore you know the desperate efforts to save the French royals and prevent Gustav's assassination are doomed. Not knowing all that much about 18th century Sweden (except for Un Ballo In Maschera, the opera that includes Gustav's death), I could have been on the edge of my seat if I hadn't been reminded of the events before I even met the first character.There are also far too many characters introduced. It was as if every time the author ran out of something for Emil to do -- and he spends a fair amount of time sick or drunk -- she introduces another character. A runaway girl, a smuggling sea captain, a calligrapher, an actress and her mother...on and on. Only one or two are well-fleshed out, including the villaine of the piece, The Uzanne. With her intro, we meet with the magical fans. She's obsessed with fans and their language. We learn a great deal about them but their power is never fully explained. A few have secret panels that can conceal sleeping powder or poison but why merely waving one not so equipped can make a whole roomful of men behave like puppets is unclear. Magic? Mass hypnosis...or author's expedient?Furthermore, it takes a very long time for Emil to 'grow up'. He's stuck in his mindset of ambition, selfishness, and superiority. He's obsessed with a young woman, though you couldn't call it love, and assumes that she's as interested in him. He is always trying to make people fit the pattern of the cards -- the Octavo of the title -- even though he doesn't really seem to believe in its power. I became very impatient with him. He never seems to care very much for anyone or anything until the very end when I was out of patience completely. Ms. Engelmann handles the language beautifully. She has a good feeling for setting and characters. With a little more editorial control and a clearer, less Byzantine story, I think she could become one of my favorites. This book, however, sank under its own weight like a too-heavily laden barque. The story line wasn't outstanding, I thought it was just different and not too bad if you are looking for something that is not too mind-boggling or too emotional. It's a light read and what I really liked about it was the unique art of using the fan, and the beautiful description of these fans. I also enjoyed the mysteriousness of the Tarot cards. The overall writing was beautiful and pleasant. It is definitely a good summer read for those who are not interested in romance novels as a light reading material, and a good break in between all the strong literature I've been reading.
What do You think about Stockholm Octavo (2012)?
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Intrigue, suspense and downright fun. A masterpiece.
—tiff
Started with an intriguing premise, but the plot was ultimately rather plodding.
—bernadette
Beautifully written and indulgent, I loved everything about this book.
—SpyderX
Vooral leuk als je weleens in Stockholm geweest bent!
—dmdunavant
