Castleview

This isn't Wolfe at his best. The story is at times maddeningly confusing. It appears to be a mishmash of Arthurian legends, fairy folklore and vampire stories all set in small town America. The characters often seem to act in a contrived manner and for a short novel is has an extensive cast. But it's still Wolfe. The book has some interesting ideas and wonderful images and his prose is always a pleasure to read. It moves along at a fair old clip and the second half is practically frenetic. This both serves to draw the reader in and then to leave them even more bemused when they have a moment to cogitate on what just occurred. Definitely worth a read but would not recommend this to a first time reader of Gene Wolfe. The Book of The New Sun series or Soldier in the Mist would be better starting point.

I first read Castleview fifteen years ago and to this day it is one of my favorite novels! It was fast paced, puzzling, hilarious, exausting and the most fun I've ever experienced reading a book. I'm buying a copy for my nephew.

That seems to be the byline on this one. I even bought a book of Arthurian legend but it didn't help much. Yet even without understanding exactly what happened this book kept me on the edge of my seat. A very good ride, even if you don't know where you are going. This book, more than any other, taught me to enjoy the journey with Wolfe and quit rushing to find out what happens in the end.

What happened in this book? I would love to be able to discuss this book with another reader. I have read it three times (a real endorsement), and each time I think I have a better understanding of the book's purpose and plot. It is as fascinating as a crossword clue you can't >quite< solve. Read it!

Castleview is filled with interesting characters. It isfast paced and full of action. To understand all thereferences to Arthurian legend will take rereading and much research but the book is very enjoyable even if you don't get all the references.