Jason Cockcroft’s first novel is a mind-bender, to say the least.
One year ago, Nathan’s mother died in an accident, leaving him to be raised by his constantly worrying father, Henry. Though he loves his dad, he isn’t the most reliable. He shows up late, forgets things, and is always distracted. Neither of them has fully gotten over Nathan’s mother’s death.
But when, somehow, Henry goes back in time to try desperately to stop Nathan’s mother from ever dying, Nathan is left alone – that is, except for the gigantic beefeater (British slang for a guard of decorative purposes) named Bartleby who seems to know far more than he lets on but does tell Nathan one thing explicitly – Nathan’s father will destroy the world by doing what he’s doing – and Nathan has to stop him. Nathan has to make sure his mother is not saved.
There begins a luxuriously strange and bizarre story. I say both things in a good way, believe me. Jason Cockcroft wrote a book that makes you feel a little off-kilter, a little confused, but happy to go along for the ride because it is just so fascinating. And I mean, fascinating.
I got truly involved with Nathan, and cared about what was happening between him and his dad. The choices he has to make are difficult ones. It’s a journey not unlike Alice’s in Wonderland, in that the clues and repetitive nature of certain portions of the book are, as I said before, mind-bending.
One year ago, Nathan’s mother died in an accident, leaving him to be raised by his constantly worrying father, Henry. Though he loves his dad, he isn’t the most reliable. He shows up late, forgets things, and is always distracted. Neither of them has fully gotten over Nathan’s mother’s death.
But when, somehow, Henry goes back in time to try desperately to stop Nathan’s mother from ever dying, Nathan is left alone – that is, except for the gigantic beefeater (British slang for a guard of decorative purposes) named Bartleby who seems to know far more than he lets on but does tell Nathan one thing explicitly – Nathan’s father will destroy the world by doing what he’s doing – and Nathan has to stop him. Nathan has to make sure his mother is not saved.
There begins a luxuriously strange and bizarre story. I say both things in a good way, believe me. Jason Cockcroft wrote a book that makes you feel a little off-kilter, a little confused, but happy to go along for the ride because it is just so fascinating. And I mean, fascinating.
I got truly involved with Nathan, and cared about what was happening between him and his dad. The choices he has to make are difficult ones. It’s a journey not unlike Alice’s in Wonderland, in that the clues and repetitive nature of certain portions of the book are, as I said before, mind-bending.
I found it highly entertaining, yet bittersweet. I was left feeling satisfied and excited to see what else Jason Cockcroft has for us in the future.
Keep your eyes open for it around February 3rd.
In the meantime, Happy Holidays! I hope you all get lots of books under the tree!
See you in the New Year!
Comments
Counter Clockwise's cover looks pretty cool! :D
btw, I tagged you for a little New Year's Resolution meme: http://the-book-vault.blogspot.com/2008/12/new-years-resolutions.html
:)