When I found out Kelly Link was writing a novel, I basically died. Those who have discovered the magic of Link’s short stories will understand my joy.
Link hasn’t dipped her toes into novel-writing with a brief story; The Book of Love is over 600 pages long. Susannah, Mo, and Daniel have returned from the dead, a year after they disappeared. They reappear in the classroom of their old high school music teacher, Mr. Anabin, who offers the trio some answers, if they pass three magical tests.
However, a mysterious fourth figure has accompanied the trio back from the dead, with their own agenda. When other weird people start entering the lives of Susannah, Mo, and Daniel, it becomes apparent that things are going to get strange in an otherworldly way.
The Book of Love is beautiful. I loved spending time with these wonderful characters. Link has created such rich lives for Mo, Daniel, and Susannah. It was a pleasure to spend time with these incredible young people as they learned important lessons about love, and the many forms it can take. One of the villains of the piece, Malo Mogge, quickly became one of my favorite characters; flamboyant, powerful, and a little bit psycho.
The Book of Love is also a celebration of music (all of the key characters are musicians), writing, and the joy that is found is artistic expression.
I have always found Link’s tone so comforting, and this completely continues in The Book of Love. Her gentle voice guides the reader along, with a warm arm around their shoulder, but unafraid to steer them down some dark corridors. There are some incredibly bleak moments, as in life. But there is also boundless hope.
As the book ended, I felt bereft, overwhelmed, and optimistic. I left the beautiful world Link created, I blinked away my tears (there were so many tears), and emerged full of joy. I feel so fortunate to be a reader, and that there are so many wonderful stories in the world.
If you love books with quests and rules, completely engrossing plots, and general escapism, I highly recommend The Book of Love.
California Reading 