I read Alan Bradley’s first Flavia de Luce novel, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie as an advanced reader copy. I loved it. Flavia de Luce was a precocious sleuth with a penchant for science and mystery solving. I found the book entertaining and amusing. I immediately read the second novel, The Weed that Strings the Hangman’s Bag, as soon as it was published. While, I enjoyed it, it didn’t seem to have the magic of the first novel. So, I didn’t read any of the other Flavia novels, until this one, As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust. I thought maybe it was time to try Flavia again.
It was. I found this novel every bit as charming and entertaining as the first. I don’t know if it’s because I took a Flavia vacation, or what, but the magic was back. The novel opens with Flavia vehemently declaring that she has been banished. Banished from her home to be sent off to Miss Bodycote’s Female Academy, her mother’s old school in Canada. Her Aunt Felicity gives her a vague hint that there is something special about this school, something special that Flavia will be introduced to.
Flavia is dramatic, intelligent, and utterly charming. A highlight from the novel: “Feigning stupidity was one of my specialties. If stupidity were theoretical physics, then I would be Albert Einstein.”
As always, I learned a lot of science along the way, and thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
Kayte says
Okay, I picked up 7 of these books....lol...have to finish a couple non-fiction ones before I delve into them...figured if I liked one then I would save myself the trouble of getting them all reserved at that time. lol You are bad for me...I hardly ever read fiction and now I have read so many due to your recommendations. 🙂
Kayte says
I'll check it out...sounds interesting and fun. Thanks!
Marjie says
"If stupidity were theoretical physics, I would be Albert Einstein"? Priceless!
Mary Lee says
Like you, I enjoyed the first one. I think I read it about the same time I read The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, another book with a young girl as the main character. I read a couple more Flavia books and decided I'd had enough, but maybe I'll try this one and check in to see if her relationship with her sisters has improved.