The 27th Kingdom

I give this book 5 stars not because it is Literature with a capital L but because it succeeds in being a work of comic genius. From the very first page we are made acquainted with a cast of eccentric characters who have been antagonizing each other in small ways for years. If you like Muriel Spark you will like this, which is equally roughly told, but with more whimsy. The ending is disappointing, yes, but not ruiniously so. This is a book that can be read in one sitting, and once you get started you will have very little reason to stop reading. Delightfuly wicked!

The blurb describes this as a 'wickedly dark comedy' which examines the lives of oddball outsiders. When I finished the book, I thought "What was that?". I didn't find anything comedic (dark or otherwise) in this novel (or more realistically, novella) The only relatable character was the cat!

A mixed-race postulant is sent to stay with her Mother Superior's sister, ostensibly to test her vocation.

Although there are flashes of humour throughout, it wasn't as funny as the first chapter led me to think it would be. The ending was very strange and inconclusive.

Spoiler Alert! The title alone was enough to make me want to read this book. It was rewarding and annoying and humorous by turns.
I only wish she'd have wrapped up a few of those loose ends...what happens to Valentine, Kyril, Mrs. Mason, and why did Mr. Sorocco have to kill himself, and what did the feathers in his room signify, and why did the apple wither.

As someone else stated, when I finished the book I thought "What was that?" The term "stream of consciousness" kept popping into my head as I read. Entertaining, but for me, not memorable.

Another odd little gem from Ellis.

In the worst version of myself, I become Kyril.