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The Folding Knife by K J Parker (view source)
Revision as of 06:32, 16 June 2010
, 06:32, 16 June 2010no edit summary
My only note of caution regarding the novel is as follows – those not familiar with Parker’s style are unlikely to be happy with the novel’s denouement. In interview, Parker has said of her characters ''Mostly I torture them, like a spoilt child breaking her toys just because she can.'' The Folding Knife is no exception to this rule – however, Basso is perhaps her most resilient protagonist to date, and there is a real sense of a struggle taking place between the author and her creation. The story of ''The Folding Knife'' is presented through a framing device which makes it clear that Basso will eventually meet his downfall, cleverly changing the emphasis in the reader’s mind from ‘can he be defeated?’ to ‘is this when it all goes wrong?’ We thrill when Parker’s protagonist overcomes his foes precisely because we know that fate is against him.
Overall K J Parker's ''The Folding Knife'' comes highly recommended to all readers – the world the Vesani Republic occupies is perhaps her most vivid and plausible to date, whilst the protagonists excel as examples of well-rounded characterisation and the prose style remains as cleverly cynical and flawlessly researched as ever. Those new to Parker’s body of work may be angered or disappointed by an ending which amplifies her brutal narrative style to the nth power, but ultimately it’s the only proper way for Basso’s story to end, and in full context provides a stunning conclusion to her most triumphant work yet.
I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to The Bookbag.