Book Review: The Well of Lost Plots

Reviewed By: Cheryl - RAM

The Well of Lost Plots     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Jasper Fforde
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Science Fiction   Time Travel   Alternate History
Series: Thursday Next # 3
2004, 384 pp.

As those who have read the earlier books in the series will recall, the premise of the series is the existance of a 'book world' parallel to our own, with its own creatures, laws and customs. When we read a book, the characters themselves, in all their varying depths and types, play out the story in BookWorld. The books exist there, created from settings, characters, and plot devices. Moreover, contrary to our experiences, books are not fixed, in black and white, but may change if characters receive permission for plot changes, if bits of the setting are stolen, or if other untoward things happen. If you enjoy surreal tales, 'The Well of Lost Plots' is for you.

The heroine, Thursday Next, is an Outlander (from our world), but has retreated to an unpublished novel in BookWorld to await the birth of her child in safety. This quiet and peaceful period is extremely short- lived, as she not only comes under attack by an old enemy, she also becomes involved in the intrigue surrounding a major development in BookWorld technology.

Fforde maintains the tone and style of this book, the third of a series, very well. The setting, although obviously fantasy, is internally consistent. The various monsters and threats are believable and truly frightening, in the context of the story. 'The Well of Lost Plots' is sure to be enjoyed by Fforde's fans, and to win new admirers of his work.

Cheryl - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Cheryl - RAM