Synopsis from Goodreads.com:
Life is close to perfect for Emil Larsson, a self-satisfied bureaucrat in the Office of Customs and Excise in 1791 Stockholm. He is a true man of the Town -- a drinker, card player, and contented bachelor -- until one evening when Mrs. Sofia Sparrow, a fortune-teller and proprietor of an exclusive gaming parlor, shares with him a vision she has had: a golden path that will lead him to love and connection. She lays an Octavo for him, a spread of eight cards that augur the eight individuals who can help him realize this vision -- if he can find them.
Review/Comment:
I read this book twice. Not because I had the time. When I first read it, I lost interest in it when all the eight cards had been laid down. Then I mustered my strength to read it after three months and behold, in no time I have finished it!
It is interesting to see how cards played a subtle role in the whole story where love and connection is tied to how a monarch and its rule are affected. I love how each individual is connected in each other's Octavo, especially Sofia's Octavo.
I also love how the author describes the scenes in this Town and its society. I could feel the air of Stockholm and its corrupted stench that comes after it. I could see the ladies dressed up, eager to learn how to act like one. And I think it is not good to omit the fans. I remembered a line that goes something like this: "Men arm themselves with swords but ladies armed themselves with fans". I also recalled a character called the Uzanne spoke of "fanning the revolution". And the description of the fans made me look up in the Amazon looking for one similar fan - the Cassiopeia.
The only I thing I don't like about the story is that, Emil seemed to be lost in his own Octavo. He is supposed to find a wife, get married and secure his job. But this events carried over so many days and weeks trying to figure out his Octavo and finding his true love.
Is it really that important?
I hope I am part of your Octavo! Worth to read!
