The Club Dumas is not just a mystery story, or a tale of the occult, although it can be read as either; it is also an appreciation for a genre of literature that has fallen by the wayside in our cynical age of realism and technology. The adventure stories of the 19th century with their swashbuckling, romantic heroes have been relegated to the lower rungs of literature as the ages have passed.
It is not surprising that the man who has given us the memorable character of Captain Alatriste could have written this remarkable story, which is not only a page-turner in terms of plot and intrigue, but a treatise on the worth of those stories that still could excite our passions and fire our imaginations if we would only let them.
Read The Club Dumas because it is well-written and filled with memorable characters and not only will you find yourself embroiled in a great mystery story, but will also be reminded of the reasons for reading: the stirring of the imagination, the excitement of adventure, the enchantment of a story, and the escape from reality all books once offered.
Article comments
1 - Vern Halen
I found this review to be right in line with my own appprecation of the book and the writer. Perez Reverte is one of my fave authors of the moment. Club Dumas, Flanders Panel, Fencing Master, Nautical Chart....
I found his tone to be a cross between Umberto Eco and... Dan Brown of all people. Interesting in characters and detail, yet able to move a story along nicely. In fact, I'd recommend Perez-Reverte to those zillions who liked DaVinci Code - these books are better stories, and better told.
2 - Snarkattack
I absolutely gobbled up this book, but for some reason did not find his other novels as engaging. It's a great read for lit lovers, and I love the way Perez-Reverte wove the Dumas narrative into his own novel.
3 - dumasfan
hey Richard,
you seem to know a lot about the book. Could you go over some of the intertextual references and the image of women in the club dumas? [Personal contact info deleted] Or commenting here would be great. I enjoy your writing.
Thanks and regards