One of Our Thursdays Is Missing
by Jasper Fforde
★★★★
This is the sixth book in the Thursday Next series and it’s the first in the series to have a protagonist other than the Thursday we’ve come to know and love. Instead the story is told from the point-of-view of Thursday Next, the written version from the books about the RealWorld Thursday’s work as a Jurisfaction agent. That will all make sense if you are already familiar with the series. If you haven’t read the first five books I’m sure that sounded incredibly confusing.
We’ve met this Thursday before, in the last book she was the tree-hugging hippie who couldn’t make it as an actual agent. In this book she’s on a hunt for the real Thursday Next who has gone missing in the midst of a mission. A war is brewing between different genres in BookWorld and both Thursdays are trying to solve the crisis. We get to know BookWorld Thursday as she plays her part honorably, despite her misgivings about her talent as an agent.
To appreciate these books you have to embrace the concept with open arms and just enjoy the ride. They are at times confusing, especially this latest installment, (though the reason why is fully and satisfactorily explained in the end) but they are always entertaining. Bibliophiles can have a blast with the book references and characters. Fforde pokes fun at the literary world in a way that only someone who truly loves it can do.
BOTTOM LINE: I love this series. It’s clever, original and completely unique. There have been some books in the series that I loved more than others, but overall it’s a strong finish to a series that I have really enjoyed.
“The RealWorld was a sprawling mess of a book in need of a good editor.”
Previous Thursday Next review:
Fforde's Other Work:
*Map of Fiction Island from the book.
13 comments:
I hadn't even heard of this series until recently. . .it looks fantastic, I think I'll have to start it soon
I cried Uncle on this one. I think I decided the only way I could read the books was on audio, and this was the only one I could get from the library. So you can imagine...I was totally clueless. Plus the humor just didn't sit well with me. I know so many people love this series. I feel like I've missed the boat!
I read the first two or three several years ago and really enjoyed them. I think I am going to have to start over and do the whole series.
Sarah - If you like the first one, definitely give the second book a try, I think it's better than the first.
Sandy - Honestly, I don't think these are for everyone. I love the sense of humor, but I've heard a lot of peopel say it's trying too hard or trying to be too clever. This book would be so confusing if you hadn't already read the rest!
annieb - They are fun. It's been years since I read the first one, but I do love returning to that world.
I've read the first one, but just couldn't get into it... actually, I have to admit to a bit of a pet hate towards it (*blush*).
Alex - I completely understand that. I don't think they're for everyone and I certainly have my own "pet hate" books!
Luckily, this is NOT the last book in the series. There is a new one out - published in the US in Jan or Feb of this year. It's called The Woman Who Died a Lot. I haven't read it yet, but it looks great - as usual.
It's always fun to see someone else enjoying his wonderful witty work.
I was wondering if this was the last one-I enjoyed it a lot but I had also read The Woman Who Died a Lot and thought it came out after. Thanks for clarifying Brooke! I loved this book but its concept does sound crazy if you're not already familiar with the series.
Brooke - How did I miss that?!? For some reason I thought this was the final book. Well now I'm excited!
Bookworm1858 - I'm so glad I have another one to look forward to now!
p.s. I updated the review so it doesn't say "final" book anymore. Thanks!
I'm on book three, but I really enjoy them. I'm so glad that there are so many more to look forward to. It's such a unique series.
Kristi - I think book 4 is Something Rotten and I loved that one! Enjoy!
I've only read the first book in the series, but I did enjoy it. It was fun and clever... hopefully I'll find time to carry on with the other books at some point.
Adam - They have always been good palette cleansers for me. They are so different from other books.
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