Review: The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson
by Jenners • 10/26/2010 • 3.5 Stars, D Authors, Fiction, G Titles, Historical, Mystery/Thriller • 52 Comments
The Gargoyle
Andrew Davidson
Anchor Books, 2008
516 pages
Genre: Fiction
My Rating: 3.5 Stars (When You Get Around To It)
This was the fifth book I read for the RIP V Challenge. Because I don’t want to get too far behind in writing these reviews, I decided to review all my RIP books by answering the 5Ws―Who, What, When, Where, Why.
Scare-O-Meter Rating:
4 screams out of 10
… this book isn’t so much scary as it is supernatural. In fact, I would go so far as to describe it as supernatural historical fiction. The gargoyle to the left is found on Notre Dame. If nothing else, this book will make you want to look at gargoyles a little closer. When I was Googling them to look for an image for this post, I was fascinated by how creepy and scary they can be. If I was a bird, I would never hang out on a building that had a gargoyle on it.
WHAT is this book about?
The story is told by an unnamed narrator who finds himself in a hospital after a car accident burned most of his body. His injuries are extensive and horrific. (In fact, the description of his burns and the treatment process accounts for pretty much all of the screams on the scare-0-meter.) He tells us the story of his pre-accident life, which is marked by neglect, abuse and reckless disregard for social mores. (He made his living as a porn star and had a bit of a coke problem.) Finding himself stuck in the burn unit, he realizes he has no relationships that matter and little to live for. Then, one day, a woman named Marianne Engel visits him. At first, he is suspicious of her as she appears to be a mental patient from the hospital. But her behavior and appearance intrigue him. She tells him that they were lovers in medieval Germany and that this isn’t the first time he’s been burned. Curious, he listens to her tales of her earlier life and how they came to meet. Convinced she is mentally unstable but unable to turn her away, our narrator gets more and more involved in Marianne’s fantastic tales … to the point where he begins to question whether she might be telling the truth.
WHO do we meet?
- Our narrator (who remains maddeningly without a name for the entire book) is an intriguing character. I found myself sympathizing with his situation (despite his own hand in causing it) and rooting for him to find a meaning for living. His skepticism and attitude toward Marianne feels very natural, and yet I found myself as caught up in her tales as he was. As he gets more involved with Marianne, we follow him on his own personal descent into Hell.
- Marianne Engel is a compelling character. A sculptor of grotesques, she has a unique approach to her art. Her striking appearance and beauty initially draw in our narrator, but her devotion and generosity to him (as well as her amazingly detailed stories) are what capture his heart. Yet she remains maddeningly difficult to pin down. Is she mentally ill? Is she really remembering past lives? Davidson does a wonderful job of creating this mysterious character, yet never fully reveals his hand about her.
- We also meet several pairs of doomed lovers from different time periods and countries. I loved these stories and found them engrossing, yet I was unsure exactly what their role was in the narrative. At times, I felt that Davidson was saying these stories were about Marianne and our narrator in other past lifetimes. Then I would change my mind about this. (If you’ve read the book, what were your thoughts on this topic?)
WHEN and WHERE does the book take place?
The narrator is recovering from his burns in modern times, but large portions of the book take place in medieval Germany. We also hear stories from Japan, Italy and the heyday of the Vikings.
WHY should you read this book?
If you are a fan of historical fiction and want to read something a bit different in the genre, this book would be an ideal choice. Davidson does a brilliant job of interweaving several stories throughout the book—our narrator’s current life and recovery, Marianne’s tales of their past life together in medieval Germany, several tales of doomed love throughout the ages, and an extended sequence in which our narrator literally journeys to Hell and back. (Davidson was more than a little inspired by Dante’s Inferno, which is referenced throughout the book.) It is a bit of a balancing act and, for the most part, I thought Davidson did an impressive job keeping all the balls in the air.
My only real complaint is that I didn’t end up getting emotionally involved in the story. I found it fascinating and interesting, but I didn’t feel drawn in to the emotional lives of the characters as much as I had hoped. Perhaps it is because of the narrator’s own emotional distance or the fact that we’re so unsure about Marianne’s mental state through most of the book. I also got a little muddled on the “hows” of the story at times. (How did Marianne find our narrator? Were the lovers in the stories Marianne and our narrator in other lives? What about the Japanese woman who cannot speak who appears several times?) Nonetheless, I would recommend this book, especially for fans of historical fiction seeking a different twist on the genre.
What are other book bloggers saying about this book? Find out at the Book Blogs Search Engine.
I STILL can’t decide if I want to read this one. Since there are so many other books that I do know I want to read, I won’t bother with making a decision any time soon.
It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great either.
I’ve picked this book up before and put it back down again never purchasing it to read…not quite sure why; but I will give you a completely different perspective on gargoyles ~
if you visit the National Cathedral in Washington DC there are gargoyles everywhere…all throughout and all over the cathedral – some scary, some fascinating, some even humorous – gargoyles are there to chase away the evil spirits….the history of the gargoyle is really cool
sorry to digress….just a little aside note
No need to apologize … I did start getting interested in gargoyles while reading the book. Thanks for the tip. When we visit DC, I’ll add this to my “must see” list.
I read it a few years ago because of all the hype and liked it, but like you I was not emotionally invested. I did think it was refreshingly unique.
You’re blogging and you have a new newborn! I’m impressed!!!
Today’s the first day I’m all alone, without help. I’m sure when I’ve lost a little more sleep you’ll see me less
Wow … that is a big milestone for you!!! I remember my feeling of utter panic when I realized I was alone with the baby for the first time. I’m sure you’ll do wonderfully … and each day you get more and more confident in yourself (at least I did .. but I was starting pretty low on the confidence scale.)
I have heard so much about this book. I really do want to read it, but I can never make myself pick it up for some reason!
It is the ancient spirits of the gargoyles keeping you from reading…
You’ve made me really excited about this one. I bought a copy ages ago and loaned it to Serena before I read it. I think she plans to read it soon, so I’m anxiously awaiting its return!
You’ll have to start bothering her about it!
i read this at the suggestion of another blogger and found it riveting but dark. the narrator’s hospitalization and recovery was so horrific, and the enigmatic characters and feel of the book left me a bit unsatisfied. i thought it was well written but, at times, maddeningly vague.
I’m with you … it was good yet something kept me from loving it.
You definitely should. I recommend the Penguin Classic version, translated by Mark Musa; it’s easy to read and still beautifully written.
I do like a new spin on historical fiction once in a while. I think the Engel character would capture my interest. Great review Jenners. Thanks!
Marianne is quite a different character, that is for sure!
I understand what you’re saying about not liking a book as much because you don’t get emotionally involved. I feel so guilty for not loving The Time Travelers Wife like everyone else in the world. There was just a lack of emotional connection. Sorry this book didn’t work out for you completely. Hopefully your next one will be great.
I actually read a really good book after this one so your wish for me came true.
I can’t wait to see what book it is! It’s always nice to have a great book to follow and okay one.
I’m reading Inferno right now, and I love paired readings, so I will have to check this one out. And you are rocking out RIP!!!
This would be an interesting paired reading with The Inferno. In fact, it ALMOST made me pick up The Inferno to read (and I still might do that at some point.)
Great review as usual Jenners, I like a little historical freaky fiction, but I’m not sure I’ll EVER finish Musashi.
You and me both!!! I’m just starting the next book and realized it was really really long!!
Guess I should avoid this one, huh? Thanks for the warning…
Well, it isn’t that BAD but I didn’t fall in love with it. If the description really appeals to you, I’d read it.
Just a little blogging break and you have a new blog! I love it. I was sitting in bed last night trying to get into “The Lacuna,” by Barbara Kingsolver thinking to myself……”self, you need to get on Jenner’s book blog and see what she has been liking.”
I decided it was easier just to have one blog rather than two. So now you can easily find books to read other than The Lacuna (which I haven’t read but I’ve heard not too good things about it.)
Supernatural historical fiction sounds about right for my Halloween reading interests! This one does sound really interesting. I had the same problem connecting emotionally with Her Fearful Symmetry–I found it intellectually fascinating, but it left me emotionally cold. I did enjoy reading it, though, so I might end up liking The Gargoyle too!
I agree that gargoyles are extremely creepy. Near my parents’ house, there is one family that dresses their lawn gargoyle up according to season. To me, he is no less scary when clad in a summery Hawaiian shirt!
It did have a similarly cold feel as Her Fearful Symmetry.
And I would love to see a gargoyle wearing a Hawaiian shirt. That doesn’t seem right!
Sounds interesting!!
I think this is a great review of this book and I agree there is a detachment from all the characters created I think by the narrative style. I actually loved this book because it is a very clever concept and something very different. I read the back cover of this and thought it was so not going to be my cup of tea but am glad I decided to try it.
It was very different. I think the part I liked the most was the stories from the different time periods. They seemed like fairy tales or fables.
Ooooo….sounds interesting.
I’m really glad I don’t have to keep pace with you at reading books. I’d never make it.
I’m a pretty fast reader actually. (And I make time to read as it is one of my greatest pleasures.)
I really liked this book. I assumed that the couples were the narrator and Mariane in their previous lives.
I can’t believe EW put it on the worst list. I did see it on the clearance rack at Walden’s a few weeks ago though. I don’t usually find anything great there.
Thanks for the the input on the couples!!
And I was very surprised to see it was listed as a “Worst Book.” That seems to be quite an overreaction. I’d love to see their reasoning about it.
Here’s the link to their review:
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20216090,00.html
And to their 5 Worst Books article:
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20247613,00.html
(I liked The Lace Reader, too and it was another one of their worst picks. I did the audio version of it which sometimes makes a difference but not usually THAT much.)
Thanks so much. You are hired as my own personal researcher. It pays nothing but you get pride in a job well done.
This book has been sitting on my shelf since I picked it up at a Sam’s Club awhile back. I’m glad you’ve given me a better idea of what it’s about because although I was intrigued by what little was on the cover, I couldn’t quite figure out the premise. That kept me from starting it several times. I’m still not sure I’ll read it anytime soon, but at least now I know what to expect and think I will more than likely enjoy it.
Glad to be of service.
I read this when it first came out and loved it. There was something so oddly compelling about it and I never knew what was going to happen next. I do think that the lovers of the past were meant to represent Andrew and Marianne in their various incarnations. I gave this book to a non-reader and she loved it so much that she is making her husband read it. Very good book, though very odd.
It is an odd book. And thanks for your input on the lovers of the past aspect of it.
I wonder what a man would think of this book????
It’s been a while since I read this – I remember liking it a lot but I’m not sure I was emotionally involved.
Hmmm, I think I’ve picked this book up and contemplated it. Have you finished Room? Awesomeness I tell you!
I finished ROOM earlier this week. Amazing book. So different from anything I’ve read before.
Not the first time he’s been burned…that’s what really piqued my interest! I’m not sure i’ll be running out to grab this one right away, but I’ll keep it in mind for next year’s RIP.
I know! She tells him that soon after they meet. It kind of got his (and my) interest.
I read this when it was first released and recall it being a page turner. Sorry it was just okay for you.
It did keep my interest but I wish I felt more invested in the romance aspect.
I’m always left scratching my head with this one. I remember the year it came out (a couple of years ago?) EW put it on its “worst of” list, saying that it was just a horrible book. And I sort of pay attention to what they have to say. But plenty of bloggers really liked it. I feel like maybe I know a bit more about the plot that I did before, but I remain unconvinced.
Really … a “worst of” list? I’m surprised. I didn’t think it was that bad. It was certainly readable.