The Red Necklace

Recently, I read Sally Gardner's The Red Necklace, an historical novel, set during the French Revolution. This is the story of Yann Margoza, who begins the story as part of a magic act involving a very animated marionette. From the beginning, the reader knows that Yann has some kind of supernatural ability. Yann has spent his entire life with Tetu, his caretaker who happens to be a dwarf and also possesses supernatural abilities. The reader is quickly introduced to the villain of the piece, Count Kalliovski, a mysterious and manipulative man. The action takes of right from the beginning. I won't tell you what happens because I'm not that kind of girl, but you'll get an inkling of Kalliovski's evilness right from the beginning. Of course, there is also a girl, Sido, who is beautiful and innocent. Her father, the Marquis de Villeduval is neglegent at best and abusive at worst. Sido has potential, but she doesn't get much development over the course of the story. She's your basic beautiful, shy, trusting girl. I'm hoping for more in the next book. Count Kalliovski is working his evil schemes on Yann and Sido as the French Revolution unfolds.

The best thing about this book is its intensity. It grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go. You get the French Revolution, magic, romance, a dwarf, a truly heinous villain, false imprisonment, and a truly creepy scene involving the "sisters macabre." There are Dickensian elements in the story, as well. For example, Yann is taken in by wealthy and good people who shape him into a better man.

The book also explores issues of trust, control, family, and, perhaps most pertinent to the current economy, the evils of debt and the power of creditors.

I would recommend this book for male and female readers. It does contain violence and some pure creepiness, so use your best judgement.

Her is a link to Gardner's website in case you're interested.