The Last Tale of the Flower Bride By: Roshani Chokshi
Reviewed by: Susie Rivera Adult Services Specialist
Genre: Gothic, Magic Realism
Suggested Age: Adults
What is the book about? The narrator, otherwise only known as the Bridegroom, is a professor of mythology and lover of fairy tales. One evening he meets a beautiful heiress named Indigo and becomes enamored with her. The couple are married very quickly and Indigo makes the narrator promise not to ask her about her past. But, when a family emergency happens, the newlyweds must travel back to Indigo’s family estate where all her dark secrets eventually come to the surface.
My Review: This book is a classic noir or gothic tale. There is a enigmatic main character, a ominous mansion, and mysterious secrets ready to surface. It takes place in modern times, although historical throwbacks almost make it seem Victorian in some aspects. We get flashbacks from the past that eventually shed light on the events leading up to the end of the novel. The plot twist at the end is surprising but many will see it coming. The clues are there the whole time. Despite being labeled as a fantasy, I would place this in the realm of Magic Realism. The house is personified so much that the reader isn’t sure if it’s really a conscious entity with its own desires. The main characters, Indigo and Azure believe they can slip into a Fae realm and participate in rituals that will grant them “magic.” Overall, the writing is beautiful and the story kept me wondering just how dark Indigo’s past really was.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Mysterious, Gothic, Lyrical
Give This a Try if You Like…The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue by V.E Schwab, Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross, Mexican Gothic Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Rating: 4/5
