The Winter Queen

By Boris Akunin

Sorry, readers, I only seem to have a record of my comments for this book.
-marni

I felt the book within a book was not well done. the “real” Leo writing to the author was totally unnecessary. Added nothing, not suspense, not a deeper understanding of the inner novel, etc. Took literally 50% of book to see what the “hook” was for this layer.

The first layer novel–with Cain–was acceptable.

The novel within the novel within the novel was fine but I couldn’t keep characters straight.

I thought the depiction of Boston was not bad. I liked that it wasn’t trope-y and kept away from touristy references.

Some interesting discussions about the craft of writing, including how to write about (or not write about) the pandemic. Pandemic–interesting to see how it was dealt with. took place in the very beginning of the pandemic.

Interesting issue of defining race (turned into a racist diattribe by Leo, but raised interesting points about writing and assuming race/ethnicity).

Fun to read about such young characters–did a good job reminding me how intense and fast relationships and friendships develop at that age!