Quincunx #3
I barely skimmed the blurb for Ring before I read it. I enjoy André Alexis, though, and I trusted him not to steer me wrong. The book’s first half sets up the characters, but I didn’t know what the book was about and couldn’t figure out where it was going. If I’d read the blurb, I’d have been fine. I should start paying more attention to the summary.
At the halfway mark, it’s like the gun went off at a race with a bang; the story takes off. It’s a deep story, with beautiful prose, reflecting on the thoughts and musings of those who came before us, specifically those directly in our lineage, the possibility of those who come after, and how complicated love can be.
The magical realism in Ring reminds me of a less surreal Murakami book. It has a similar whimsy and absurdity, but it’s more grounded. Ring is an adventure, showing that the reality we know can’t be taken for granted.
The language used to describe food is way over the top. Meals are described in explicit detail, and nothing actually sounds tasty, just expensive and way too fancy for my blood. It reminded me of calling my dad, who inevitably will start listing what he cooked, down to the ingredients, cooking methods, and the way the flavour rolled across his palate. While Ring was being a bit silly, the reminder of my dad made me grin.
Finishing Ring takes me to three out of five of the Quincunx series, and I’m looking forward to getting my hands on more of André Alexis’s works.
Andr Alexis is an award-winning Canadian author.
Characters
Gwenhwyfar (Gwen) Lloyd – A young woman living in Toronto, from a small town 2-3 hours away. A medical research assistant, she’s not passionate about her job, but comfortable. Lives with a friend going through a turbulent relationship.
Olivier Mallay – friend of Tancred, exceptionally polite and respectful
Tancred Palmieri – mysterious and aloof, Tancred captures Gwen’s attention immediately
Professor Bruno – longtime friend of the Lloyd family
Michael – partner to Professor Bruno
Links
Book Information
Publisher: Coach House Books
First Published: September 28 2021
Audiobook Publisher: Coach House Books
Audiobook Narrator: André Alexis and Warona Setshwaelo
Format: Audiobook
Source: KoboPlus
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Sub Genre: Magical Realism, Contemporary, Canadian
Series: Quincunx
Locations: Toronto & Bright’s Grove, Ontario, Canada