Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Review by Lauren - The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

The Sweetness at he Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

In his wickedly brilliant first novel, Debut Dagger Award winner Alan Bradley introduces one of the most singular and engaging heroines in recent fiction: eleven-year-old Flavia de Luce, an aspiring chemist with a passion for poison.

It is the summer of 1950—and a series of inexplicable events has struck Buckshaw, the decaying English mansion that Flavia’s family calls home. A dead bird is found on the doorstep, a postage stamp bizarrely pinned to its beak. Hours later, Flavia finds a man lying in the cucumber patch and watches him as he takes his dying breath.

For Flavia, who is both appalled and delighted, life begins in earnest when murder comes to Buckshaw.

“I wish I could say I was afraid, but I wasn’t. Quite the contrary. This was by far the most interesting thing that had ever happened to me in my entire life.”

First Impressions: Initially, I had absolutely no desire whatsoever to read Sweetness, but after reading a little bit more about it, and hearing some great reviews from a couple people, my opinion completely changed.

Sweetness is the story of 11-year-old Flavia de Luce, a quirky girl who loves chemistry - and most of all poison. She is constantly tormented by her two older sisters - but with good reason. Incredibly witty and comical, Flavia is a wonderful storyteller, and creates a very entertaining narration for the story.

The book is a mystery, but it wasn't overdone. Sweetness was a light, fun read that made me smile, and that I was able to read fairly quickly. It was like a breath of fresh air, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. All the characters had funny little quirks, and each one comical in their own way.

Final Impression: A fun, entertaining read that will put a smile on your face!



















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