This book has been sat on my shelf for a LOT longer than I’d care to admit, and in all honestly, I have big regrets about not reading it sooner. I ended up reading most of it at work (as per), which felt strangely fitting given the themes, and somehow made the whole experience even better.
I absolutely loved the descriptive writing in this story. It was buttery smooth, vivid, and genuinely delicious to read. Considering it’s supposedly written by a 16th century monk, it was also really easy to settle into and interpret. The comedy was balanced so well against the darker elements of the story, and it made the whole thing feel incredibly charming rather than heavy. The first person writing also really lends itself to the story, giving what I’d call an Inbetweeners meets medieval ages style narration.
My only real grapple is that it sort of just… ended. But given the style of storytelling, I can see why it had to eventually stop where it did, otherwise it could have gone on for volumes and I honestly would have happily read every single page.
A very satisfying read, and a nice contrast to my usual themes while still somehow being completely on brand. Catholic Church? Plague? Corruption? Close enough…