The quote on the cover of Evan Mandery’s new novel drew me in: “You must not marry Q.” The paths of this intricate and absorbing story begin at this juncture, and for the protagonist in Q: A Novel, everything hinges on whether or not he follows this heartfelt advice.
I’m going to state that in order to make this a spoiler-free review, there’s not much I can say about the plot other than filling you in on the starting point. The unnamed protagonist tells the story in his own voice, from the beginning of his unique and simply lovely courtship of Q, Quentina Elizabeth Deveril, until the period just before their planned wedding, when he is visited by someone, very unexpectedly. This someone makes the plea for him to not follow through with this planned marriage, and his argument and reasoning is emotional and wholly convincing.
The life that follows for the main character is filled with many, many twists and turns that would be spoiled for you, the potential reader, if I explain any further. Suffice it to say that you most definitely should read this novel, for the experience is one you will remember.
I was especially struck by how skillfully the author weaves several parallels in the protagonist’s experiences with small details from conversations and discussions sprinkled throughout the book. Impressive, too, is the amount of research into seemingly odd subjects such as Sigmund Freud’s work before psychology, in order to fill in the details of the protagonists’ work as an author. Yes, there are a few stories within the story here, and Mandery even manages to make fun of that in a passage in which the protagonist is getting feedback about his own writing. Everything about this book is intensely clever.
At one point, the protagonist is trying to make a career writing counter-historical novels– what would have happened if William Henry Harrison had worn a coat to his inaugural speech and not contracted the illness that felled him early in his presidency? This concept parallels the entire plot of this novel, in which the reader is often asked to ponder, ‘what if?’
I was completely bowled over by Q: A Novel, and for this reason, I’m happily ranking it among our 5 Star Reads, and I strongly recommend it for a wildly thought-provoking read.
We have a copy of Q: A Novel to give away to one of you (U.S. shipping addresses only). Leave a comment here if you’d like to win, and we’ll announce the winner on September 7. This giveaway is closed.
- The winner of the audiobook It’s the First Day of School… Forever is # 1 Pam Moore.
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Getting lost in a novel is one of Dawn’s most favorite past-times. Blogging away at my thoughts exactly ranks up there, too.
Wow, sounds very intriguing! Putting it on my tbr list!
Sounds interesting!
This book sounds lovely – I would love a chance to win a copy! Thank you!
sounds quite intriguing….sign me up!
I’d really enjoy this book. Thanks!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I love cleverly written and thought-provoking!
This one would be for me, but i would soon pass it on.
You always lead me to the best books! Put my name in the hat, please!
OK, I have to read this book. :0)
Oh wow what a neat concept. I like the idea of the counter historical novels. Very cool.
I would love to win a copy. As I am hardly ever able to pass up one of your 5 star reads…it would save me some money! Ha!
You made a mystery out of a romance novel. Please enter my name.
Congratulations, you won! Please reply to this email with your mailing address. Thanks for entering the giveaway.
Thank you.
Sent info.
Okay, I’m intrigued! Would love a chance to win. 🙂
This sounds like a great read! Thanks for the opportunity to win this novel.
This sounds really good! I’d love to read it! Thank you for the giveaway!
This sounds really different from anything else I have read, which is great! Thanks for the giveaway.
I would really like to read this book. Thanks for the chance!
I am very intrigued with this book! If I don’t win it I’ll have to put it on my “want” list. Thanks for offering this as a giveaway and for the fantastic review.
Looks very interesting. 🙂 I’d love to have it for pleasure reading during the school year!
Sounds like a great book! So would love to win it 🙂 Thanks, Maureen (jnomaxx at hotmail dot com)
I’d love to read this! I need a good book to read.
THanks for the chance
I would love to read this!
Sounds great!
A mysterious love story! Sounds interesting…
I’m intrigued. Count me in, please.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Sounds like a great book!
This book sounds really good, I would love to read it.
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Sounds like an awesome book! Thanks for the giveaway!
Sounds terrific! I’d love to win
looks like a great read!
This sounds like a compelling read. Thanks for the contest!
Such an interesting premise, please count me in.
Going to get this on my kindle, sounds great!
I need a good five star read, thanks!
Very good reading I’m sure-
thanks for the chance to read this novel 🙂
interesting.. :]
Sounds like a very interesting novel. I would love to read it. Thanks for the chance.
Sounds interesting. Count me in.
-Britt T.
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