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CODEX
by Lev Grossman
Harcourt, March 2004
348 pages
$24.00
ISBN: 0151010668


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

When I began reading this book, I was intrigued by the blurb which promised "an accomplished literary thriller [which] explores dark mysteries of both the medieval era and the present." A parallel plot offered the modern touch of computer gaming, which did not interest me. While I found the bait to be hype, I still enjoyed this book and will, with reservations, recommend it.

The writing style is clunky and at times required I read a passage over again to make sure I understood what was going on. I found inconsistencies a careful editor ought to have spotted. I was not reading all that closely and if the details jumped out at me, they should have been caught. But after a while I read the book in one sitting and I was able to ignore the clumsiness of presentation and just took in plot and what passed for character development.

Being a sucker for historical puzzles solved in the present, I accepted lead characters who remained cardboard and without depth. I did not see anyone in the story evolve -- a failing often found in mysteries when the focus is on the plot. I also didn't care about any of the motivations, shallow as they were. None of the people became alive to me. The settings were limited but interesting for someone who loves libraries and museums dripping with creepy atmosphere.

The 'twist' ending is really just a circular finale, leaving matters and people about where they were in the beginning, but I nevertheless enjoyed the ride. The degree of research the author indulged in is painfully apparent as we are treated to tons of detail which I enjoyed but might throw another reader out of the story. I would suggest waiting for the cheaper paperback version, but if you like something a little different in your mystery reading, do get this book.

Reviewed by Sharon Brondos, April 2004

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


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