Review of Susan Orlean's The Library Book

In this true “crime” novel by journalist Susan Orlean readers are brought into the intrigue of the Central Library fire in Los Angeles CA. For those who have read the Orchid Thief, this book will have a familiar feel. The writing is interesting, and the first-person narrative of many sections draws readers in placing them in the library as Orlean tours all the departments of it with the current staff as she researched to book.

Inside Back Cover

Each chapter begins with the catalog information of books related to or mentioned in it. Some of the books were lost and/or damaged in the fire while others are simply pertinent to the section. This added element makes the book entertaining, along with the old-style card printed on the back of the book (I must admit when I first saw the illustration I thought it was real).

The Library Book details the events of the Central Library Fire in 1986 and how one man’s story changed the narrative. Orlean seeks out as much information as she can speaking with eyewitnesses of the fire, librarians, and even family members of the man accused of starting it. Each new lead adds surprising elements and twists of fate until the ultimate conclusion is yet to be resolved. In her journalist style, she leaves no stone unturned even detaining her exploration of the “library” world.

Many of the elements I found interesting, though would have liked a bit more about the fire and not Orlean’s personal journey. The title even is a bit misleading, it does not discuss one single book but many, how they were destroyed or salvaged, and how LA rebuilt its Central Library.

Reference

Orlean, S. (2018).  The Library Book. New York: Simon and Schuster.

Images of the book inside and cover taken by me.

The Fork, The Witch, and The Worm Review

Christopher Paolini returns to Alagaësia in this volume of short stories entitled The Fork, The Witch, and The Worm: Tales from Alagaësia. The three tales are interwoven yet each stand alone. The subtitle states this is Volume 1: Eragon. The entire book focuses on Eragon one year after the final chapters of Inheritance and the victory he and Saphira enabled.

This book is simply too short. I wish there were more and am excited to see if there are any more volumes in this Tales of Alagaësia “series”. Each of the tales demonstrates Paolini’s skill in writing and also introduces the writing of his sister Angela (who writes about her namesake character in the section entitled “The Witch”). I enjoyed the fast-paced motion of this book each element moved on, with a few surprises hiding in the shadows.

Readers who are familiar with the books will enter the world again and see more aspects of beloved characters. While I would not suggest this as a place for new visitors to Alagaësia it does provide a glimpse into what the previous books had.

The Fork

This unlikely tale is not about Eragon at all, but about a “stranger” in a distant land who was monitored by the Eldinarí (Dragons in their gem-like hearts). These ancient dragons are helping Eragon to see that he is capable of leading the new Riders and organizing the new order. The story is well written and has a surprise ending, which many readers of the Inheritance Cycle will be pleased with. I found the characters intriguing and even more enjoyable after the completion of the story.

The Witch

This section was penned by Angela Paolini and is written as her namesake character, the witch woman Angela. Angela (the character) has started writing an autobiography and would like Eragon to read it, however, it is not complete but must be read in a specific order. This glimpse into the eclectic personality of the witch leaves just as many questions as answers. The story is written in a unique style using snippets of a life to complete a whole. Each antecedent details an event which shaped the woman who would become Angela. This section is divided into the chapters of her book but with many “chapters” missing such as moving from chapter 7 to chapter 23 with nothing between. It is an exciting and quick read.

The Worm

The third and largest section of this book is dedicated to the story, not of a worm (or dragon) as one would think but an Urgal warrior who is sworn to defeat the titular worm. In this section, Eragon is mourning the death of dwarves who were opening tunnels under the fortress and seeks the company of the Urgal delegates. They begin to tell the tale of a woman warrior so focused on one task that she lets it cloud her judgment and life. This story is beautifully written and makes readers forget how ugly the tellers were portrayed in the original books (they were the enemy throughout much of the tale).  I truly enjoyed learning more about their culture and folklore in this story.

Concluding Thought

I enjoyed this well-written book about familiar characters. It was like seeing old friends on these pages and taking time to catch up. Each story expanded different characters and their aspects making for a richer understanding of them. Interspersed throughout the three stories was a theme of Eragon settling into his new duties and trying to learn balance. His friends help him and when things go wrong, such as a tunnel collapse, are there to offer support and wisdom. The ending of the book is excellent and leaves hope for Alagësia. I recommend reading this book for all who have read the Inheritance Cycle and enjoyed it.

References

Paolini, C. (2018). The fork, the witch, and the worm: Tales from Alagaesia: Volume 1: Eragon. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Cover Image from the book taken by me.