The Bedlam Stacks

Enchanting in a weird way

The book was enchanting in it’s own bit weird way. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and at times slow pace.

Only thing disturbing at times was the changes in the volume of the reader’s voice. Surrounding noises made it hard to hear the bit whispered.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

17 hours of my life I'll never get back

I'd give The Watchmaker of Filigree Street 3.5/5 - but in this case the use of whimsy to cover up holes in logic and indeed in plot were too much to pardon. The book never really got going and never really went anywhere. Just endless descriptions of jungle, bizarre columns of glass and phosphorescent pollen. Clearly a lot of research had gone into the book but this didn't make up for the lack of plot. Also, the attempt at weaving in a character from the previous novel was clumsy at best: it was as though the author was attempting David Mitchell style allusion but it falls sadly flat.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Most enjoyable.

I found this a little difficult to begin with. in the opening chapters, where Merrick is suffering the effects of altitude sickness, I almost felt that I was, too. Something about the style of the narration made it hard to follow. Later on it became easier. As the story unfolded it was nice that we revisited Kata, the watchmaker.

I particularly like the almost romantic nature of the relationship between Raphael and Harry, which was continued with Merrick.

I've enjoyed both of Natasha Pulley's books so far. I hope to hear more.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Absolutely blown away by this

I thoroughly enjoyed the Watchmaker, and was really pleased to be able to read the second of Natasha Pulley's books. I love Natasha Pulley's way of writing - her characters are so likeable they almost become part of the family, apart from the rotten ones ...... of course.
The story was quite complicated but so very well put together it has kept my attention thoroughly. David Thorpe narrated very well - I know some commentators have not liked him much - but I thought he was first class and absolutely right for the story.
A wonderful trip to Peru with such interesting people, stories and consequences. BRILLIANT

I was also delighted to meet 'Katar', (Sorry - I have no idea how it is spelled, the Watchmaker), in his earlier life.

16 of 19 people found this review helpful

Another excellent story from Natasha Pulley

If you enjoyed The Watchmaker of Filigree Street you are in for a real treat. The story is unusual, unexpected and full of magic and intimations of love. The Watchmaker appears as a young man too! The reader is good, but a little too ebullient for me in places, although he was excellent in Shtum.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Wonderful story and took me back to my travels in Peru

Great story, unusual and original . I have travelled throughout south america and spent time in Peru. The description of the landscape and architecture/historic ruins are very accurate and written by someone who had travelled there, I am sure.

The story itself is a beautifully balanced cocktail of history , local spirituality and beliefs , reminders of old fashioned prejudice and our historic influence on the world , as well as being a story about human compassion , friendship and at times a look at how we could act in desperation . A story of history, friendship, judgment, magic and spiritual beliefs..... listen and you will be enthralled and sad when it ends !!!

10 of 12 people found this review helpful

An excellent second novel

Natasha Pulley has an idiosyncratic writing style which sometimes borders on the staccato in the way sentences and utterances are presented. It takes a bit of getting used to but I for one have grown to like it.
This is Natasha's second novel and is a strange but totally absorbing tale, set mainly in South America, which definitely requires the reader to suspend disbelief in order to take in glowing pollen, moving statues, columns of glass and a village with unusual customs and taboos.
Best of all was the appearance, as a somewhat minor character this time, of a young Keita Mori who will be familiar to those who have read this author's previous novel 'The Watchmaker of Filigree Street'. I for one would be very pleased if a third novel were to concern itself with more about Mori, who I must say I find most endearing.

10 of 12 people found this review helpful

Intriguingly enchanting

Any additional comments?

This book is a historical yet spellbinding journey about a group of smugglers sent on a journey to obtain the purest form of malaria antidote-medicine from the 18th century Peruvian quinine trees found deep within the mountains.

I was excited and enthralled when I learned that the reason a small group of highly skilled smugglers are needed to obtain the quinine, was due to the quinine trees being guarded and protected by cartel-like criminals. In this regard, the story reminded me of many SAS operations I've read about, whereby soldiers covertly penetrated such factions that were guarding drug factories hidden deep within the jungles of South America.

The difference here of course, there is nothing covert about this storyline. As the story unfolds we learn that there is indeed an ulterior motive and far more sinister developments are underway. Oh and something else the SAS didn't have to deal with: sorcery.

The leading character is a priest with a good heart but has a thirst for adventure anda longing to find out the truth behind these sinister goings on. Is it really magic, or just a trick to protect the valuable merchandise?

The book is beautifully written and expertly told by one of my favourite narrators. Allow yourself to succumb to the magic of this storyline and you are sure to be swept away with as much delight as I was!

16 of 20 people found this review helpful

so quiet!

great follow up to the watchmaker and the narrator is good but for some reason it's really quiet compared to every other audiobook I've ever bought, at full volume I couldn't hear it if I was walking down a busy road or on the tube.

8 of 10 people found this review helpful

Great writing, great narration

Author has created intriguing narrative aided by accomplished and unobtrusive characterisation by the narrator. More from both please.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful