Title: The Storied Life of A.J. Firkry
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Date/year published: 2014
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Format: Audio. Borrowed from the local library and listened to using Libby app.
Why did I choose to read it: The description caught my attention.
Synopsis: A lonely, recently widowed, bookshop owner is struggling to keep his shop open. Shortly after losing his most prized possession, a rare book, he discovers an abandoned toddler in the children’s section. While searching for the lost book and the child’s mother, the cranky bookseller finds a life full of friends, family, and love.
Thoughts: This was a delightful book. I lost track of time while listening to the tale. It wasn’t overly complex, but there were enough twists and turns to keep one interested. Though I knew how certain things would work out, the author still surprised me with specifics. Which isn’t that what makes a good story?
The characters were all lovable, well, mostly. Even the “bad guy” wasn’t evil, it was more of an account of people you meet everyday – some of whom make really poor choices and aren’t the nicest of people. The cast of characters grew as A.J.’s confidence did, and the (spoiler) addition of the reclusive author was a nice touch. As were the few trips A.J. took off Alice Island, the isolated location of his bookshop. Those few trips broadened the setting and rounded out his personality.
Though set in modern day, and lacking aspects of magical realism, it had a very fairy tale-esque feel to it. That could have been the narrator’s influence, though there was an abandoned child, a step mother, and a bad guy.
Which brings me to trigger warnings. This felt like a very cozy, hopeful book – A.J. finds happiness after thinking he never would again. He meets his second love and gains friends. However, there is an abandoned baby, mention of suicide, adultery, and death. I don’t think the mentions are enough to trigger most people, but if they are especially sensitive subjects for you, you may want to skip this one, at least for now.
Would I re-read or recommend it?
Yes! if you’re looking for an easy read that has some meaning or a guilty pleasure read that isn’t complete fluff, this is a good one.
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