1909, Seattle. For twelve-year-old Ernest Young, a charity student at a boarding school, the chance to go to the World’s Fair feels like a gift. But when he’s there amid the exotic exhibits, the half-Chinese orphan discovers that he will actually be a prize, raffled off to ‘a good home’. He is claimed as a servant by the flamboyant madam of a high-class brothel. There he forges new friendships and discovers a sense of family for the first time. Perhaps this is the home he’s always wanted?
On the eve of the new World’s Fair fifty years later, Ernest is juggling memories and the demands of his ailing wife as well as long-held family secrets which threaten to leak out.
Without question Jamie Ford is that very rare, special author whose books are always just pure magic and sublime reads. Although fans of his work are kept waiting several years between each publication the onerous wait is more than worth it. Jamie Ford has sold millions of books worldwide despite this only being his third book so the fact his sales are so numerous is testament to the fact that his way with words takes readers on an emotional journey they will never forget. Each book resonates with you in a different way and you savour every word as it so perfectly placed and just builds up an incredible picture that forms the most complete, beautiful story that touches you right to the depths of your heart and soul. Love and Other Consolation Prizes is no different from the author's previous books in that it is a masterpiece that once you pick it up to read a chapter or two you find it increasingly difficult to put down so enthralled and enraptured in the story does the reader become.
The author draws upon his heritage to write such a wonderful and deeply moving novel set in the early 20th century and the 1960's, the World Fair taking place in Seattle is a focus that later becomes a backdrop for the novel. In 1962 Ernest stands outside the gates on the opening day of the World Fair, he recollects a time over 40 years ago when the World Fair had first opened in Seattle. So much water has passed under the bridge between then and now and his life is not the same as it once was. The love of his life can no longer remember him despite 40 precious years together and two incredible young girls to show for it as well. Ernest is lost just as his wife Gracie is lost to her mind. The cause of her memory loss and decline is a rare type of virus which she contracted many year ago but its affects are only making themselves ever more apparent as the days go by. Ernest pines for the days when he first met Gracie and in doing so takes the reader on a journey of recollection. A journey which captures the readers imagination and has you just like Ernest mourning the loss in a way of a special women, yet through Ernest's eyes an incredible story comes to life. One that would surely not occur today but makes you understand what unique times people lived in and that those magical times may live on in the hearts and minds of those who lived through them yet for us living in the present day they are memories one reads about in books.
The story moves back and forth between Ernest in 1962 and his own recollections of how he came from China and ended up in Seattle. His heritage and history did not run through a smooth path and the fact he was mixed race played a factor in where he was placed in America and how he was treated for many years. He suffered many indignities through his childhood. Everything in the story flowed so seamlessly and never once was I confused as to what era I was reading about. The author did a fantastic job of showing the contrast between Ernest at a later age and the naive young boy taken from his homeland and brought to America. What starts the train in motion and forces Ernest's mind back to a time both himself and his wife have kept secret for so long is that elder daughter Juju wants to write an article about her parents and their connection to the world fair for the paper she writes for. A then and now piece. Little does she realise she will open a can of worms that may or may not have consequences for all. In doing so, many questions, memories and events are stirred up and the reader is given a deep insight into a fascinating history of a couple who on the outside for all intents and purposes may appear normal but underneath it all they had a varied and colourful past. Of a time when Ernest worked as a houseboy in what we would consider the most unusual and maybe corrupt of houses, a den of inequity, a brothel or bordello. But the author never once made it feel like this was something to be abhorred instead it was acknowledged yes this was the circumstances our main characters found themselves in, now let's focus on the remarkable and interesting love story unfolding before our very eyes.
The writing throughout this book was exquisite and a pure joy to read, not once did the story drag instead as the more deeper levels are uncovered I became ever more lost in the story. Every character was there for a reason, although their purpose did not become apparent until later in the book. Each word was chosen so carefully and so preciously placed in order to conjure up the most breathtaking imagery in order to enhance the readers experience and enjoyment of the story. The scenes described at both of the world fairs although forty years apart were stunning and almost other worldly, the likes of which I feel we would not see today. Instead they are but a distant memory brought to life here for everyone to enjoy and they bring that added extra dimension to the story in which the love story Ernest finds himself in unfolds. As we delve deeper into the story, Ernest's affections are torn between two women, that of Fahn who works as a maid at the brothel and Maisie May, little sister of Madame Flora who runs the brothel in the red light district of Seattle. Ernest's indecision is clear for all to see as his heart is torn between two very different women. He finds it challenging to control his way ward emotions as both women offer different things and although connected because of their job. Each has a history that is colourful and difficult.
To say much more would ruin the story, suffice to say I loved every minute of this brilliant read. It's raw, honest, powerful, captivating and heart wrenching. Although told in the most simplest of ways, sometimes simple is the best route to achieve optimal results and I feel Jamie Ford has once again achieved this with aplomb. I was worried given the four year gap between this book and the last and also the fact how much I loved his first two books that this new book would fall slightly short of my expectations but it didn't in the slightest. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet still remains my favourite book by this author but certainly Love and Other Consolation Prizes comes a close second. The characters presented are complex and flawed but never once dull. Their love and ambition radiates from the pages combining to make a this book an utter triumph which undoubtedly will boost Jamie Ford's millions of sales even higher. Turn all distractions off, curl up on the sofa with a glass of something nice and enjoy every moment of an exceptional read.
Many thanks to Ailsa at Allison and Busby publishers for the copy of Love and Other Consolation Prizes to review and to Sharon for having my review on the blog.
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