William Bellman is just past his tenth birthday when he takes aims at a rook with his catapult; despite the seemingly impossible distance, the target is indeed met and the bird struck dead. Though he doesn’t dwell on it, this unsettling moment is set to ultimately shape and overshadow William’s whole future existence.
He works hard and becomes a successful mill owner and happy family man with a lovely wife and children, seemingly very fortunate, but then his world is hit by terrible tragedy and loss. He notices a curious, inscrutable figure appearing in the graveyard, dressed all in black, and interprets that they have made an incredible agreement that will help him retain what still matters to him. As a result, William becomes creator of a shop devoted to everything relating to mourning on a grand scale. William pours himself utterly into his work, suppressing feelings and memories of what has gone before. But he is somehow haunted and can never be rid of his past.
The rook is a portent, a symbol throughout the story, always hovering, lurking, lingering, seemingly influencing Bellman’s path, and redressing the balance. More about the nature of the rook and its character is revealed in short asides interspersed throughout the novel.
I found this a dark, atmospheric and unusual Victorian tale depicting a man’s glorious rise and tragic fall; cleverly written and structured, it made me think about the joy and sadness of life. William is hardworking, caring and likeable, yet he is transformed into a shadow of his former self. The gradual unfolding of events, the shadowy, ghostlike figure of Black and the discovery of Bellman’s destiny all rendered this an intriguing, mysterious and compulsive read.
Published by Orion
Originally reviewed for lovereading.co.uk, thanks to them and the publisher for an advance proof copy of this book to read and give an honest review.
