Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Thirteenth Night
Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Alan Gordon
Class/Genre: Mystery Historical
Series: Theophilos
St. Martin's, Feb 1999, $23.95, 243 pp.
In December 1200, The Fool's Guild learns that Duke Orsino of Illyria unexpectedly died. The jesters and clowns who make up the behind the scenes, politically influential guild suspects foul play. Fifteen years earlier, one of the Guild's members, Feste, influenced events that led to Orsino loving Viola and halting a Saladin plot. The loser of that affair, Malvolio, vowed vengeance and the Guild wonders if he finally succeeded.
The Guild leadership agrees to send Feste back to Illyria to learn the truth and, if necessary, stop any plot led by one of their greatest enemies, Malvolio. Feste disguises himself as a merchant. Another Guild member accompanies him as a jester to throw the spotlight away from Feste. Soon Feste realizes several unnerving facts. People age rapidly in a decade and a half, thereby changing their appearance. He cannot find his foe, who searches for him to complete his act of vengeance while plotting to complete his failed earlier mission.
Either Alan Gordon wears white jackets with special buckles or he is a certifiable genius. No one except perhaps Tom Stoppard (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead) would rewrite even an iota of the Bard, but Mr. Gordon does so fabulously. Taking up fifteen years after Twelfth Night ended, the writer provides a riveting historical mystery. The story line starts a bit slow like a roller coaster creaking up the first ramp, in this case to establish roles and motivations. However, once cleared, like the rest of the roller coaster ride, the novel is non-stop. The insight into the machinations of the Fool's Guild and the overall era brings to life Medieval England in a manner that would make Shakespeare proud because the Elizabethan influence is not a factor.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
If you enjoy this website, a link would be appreciated. |