The Swan Thieves
Elizabeth Kostova
January 2010
576 pages
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FTC disclosure: I bought it, but I really wish I’d waited for the paperback edition.
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I’m struggling with what to say about this book. On the one hand, I thought it was beautifully written. On the other hand, I thought it was way too long. It was so long that I imagined all sorts of possibilities for how the story would play out (reincarnation, possession, things like that), none of which happened.
Like many of my recent reads, this book centers on mental illness. Robert Oliver, a talented painter, is arrested for trying to stab a painting. He lands at Goldengrove, a mental hospital, under the care of Dr. Marlow, himself an artist. Since Oliver is not talking, Dr. Marlow begins to investigate his past in the hopes of uncovering the mystery behind why he would attack a painting.
The story that he uncovers is a fascinating one, but we also get the entire life stories of all of the women in Oliver’s life. And a great deal of background on Dr. Marlow, as well. Not so much on Oliver, though, other than what others have observed about him. Which makes sense, since the man isn’t talking. But all this background info about secondary characters is what makes the book so darn long, and I’d argue that most of it is unnecessary. Well-told, but unnecessary.
The story finally picks up at the end, and while it all makes sense (sort of…I’m still wondering how Oliver himself figured it all out), Oliver fades into the background. And since he was just a catalyst, maybe that’s the way it should be, but I still would’ve liked a little more of his voice at the end.
I do believe this takes me to the end of my mental illness reading streak. If you’re wondering how I’d rate the reads, Waiting for Columbus maintains its top position. Depending on the type of read you’re looking for, I’d consider Bloodroot and The Unnamed a tie for second. They are very different books, and will result in very different reading experiences and emotions. The Swan Thieves, for all that it is a beautiful book, places last. Which just kills me, since I loved The Historian. But just because you’ve written one long-assed book, does not mean your second book has to be equally as long.
I think I’ll skip this one. I really liked The Historian, but thought it was much longer then it needed to be.
Sorry this one s=did not lives up to your expectations. (I still need to read it, but at least I have the ARC, in case it is disappointing–hope not).
.-= diane´s last blog ..Friday Finds – February 12, 2010 =-.
I won a copy of this in audio format. I am hoping that might be easier to get into – it can just wash over me. I agree with that length, it’s gotta suck you in from the get go or it’s just going to seem like work!
.-= Amused´s last blog ..Not My Cup of Slim Fast =-.
I’m not sure I’d want to read this one but I’m listening to it and enjoying it.
.-= Darlene´s last blog ..Friday Finds (Feb 12) =-.
You know, I did enjoy The Historian, but that was another book I thought was way too long… so I guess I’m not surprised to hear this one was similar! I flipped through a copy of this one a while back, but it didn’t grab me… I’m not sure I’ll bother to read this one, even though mental illness does fascinate me. Thankfully you’ve covered a ton of other titles that tackle that topic but that also sound way better!
.-= Steph´s last blog ..“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger =-.
I liked this one a lot, so I’m guessing I’m in for a real treat with The Unnamed.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Our Life in France – banking, money and numbers =-.
I had this reaction to The Historian. I thought it was way longer than it had to be and, for me, was somewhat anticlimactic. It looks like the same happens here (except that it picks up at the end). Think I’ll give it a miss. I often feel like for some books, I should have waited for paperback!
.-= Aarti´s last blog ..Book Event: Stephen Benatar on the East Coast =-.
Ah, well, I think I will let your reading suffice for all the Jills in the world, and I will skip this one.
.-= rhapsodyinbooks´s last blog ..Black History Month – Lincoln’s Birthday – Did Lincoln Actually Free the Slaves? Well, Sort of, In a Way….. =-.
I wonder if Elizabeth Kostova is going to be known for an author who writes “too long” books. Of course we all know that a high page count does not mean a bad book….but a book could be only 150 pages long and feel like it’s way too long.
I know what you mean about reading streaks….I go on them, too!
.-= Valerie´s last blog ..Thinking…. =-.
I think I’ll try Waiting for Columbus instead…
.-= JoAnn´s last blog ..Winter Awards… Sharing the Love =-.
I could not get through The Historian so I’ve steered clear of this one. I remember The Historian being way too long and overly descriptive. Usually I like a lot of detail but it was too much for me.
.-= Ti´s last blog ..Friday Finds: The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet =-.
Long books put me off – that is too much description puts me off! I have read good reviews of this one… but if it is so long, i would not want to read it
I should definitely give Historian a try though.
And as of now I am not interested in this kind of books. I am in to happy happy reading these days
.-= veens´s last blog ..Attracted to Oranges! =-.
I skimmed your review but read enough to see that you’re not quite sure about it. I loved the Historian and have high hopes for this.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Weekend Cooking: Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich =-.
I still have The Historian in my TBR pile and am anxious to read it. I am sorry to hear that this one isn’t as good as anticipated, but really enjoyed your review. I think it will be one I get at the library or in paperback form, as you mentioned.
.-= April´s last blog ..Interview: Susie Larson, Author of Embracing Your Freedom =-.
I had the same thoughts about the Historian. I shall leave this one for the discount rack I think.
.-= Jerry´s last blog ..Photo Hunt – Broken =-.
I don’t know about this one. On one hand, I always like books about artists. On the other hand, it drives me absolutely crazy when a book is way longer than it needs to be. So maybe I’ll get it from the library.
.-= heidenkind´s last blog ..Addicted to Blogs =-.
I love your ranking of all the mental illness books you’ve read. Go Columbus!
.-= Jenners´s last blog ..2/14/10 – My Week In Review =-.
Thanks for the ranking! I do appreciate knowing that I don’t want to wade through such a long book when there are better books.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..The Weight of Heaven =-.
Seems like this one is getting LOTS of mixed reviews. Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Sunday Salon 02.14.10 (Book Love) =-.
I listened to this in my car and wow…well written but like you say…too, too long! I’ve heard The Historian is worth it though.
michelle´s last [type] ..From Alice to Zen and Everyone in Between