Set in London and Dublin, both in the 1970’s and in the present day, The Illusionist is the story of a writer, Stella, and of her marriage to a strange man named Martyn. They meet when Martyn interrupts her reading on a train, and Stella is quickly charmed by this mysterious man and the illusions he performs. Shortly after they get married, Stella begins to realize she doesn’t really know the man she’s sharing her life with. Bluebeard-like, Martyn keeps a locked room in the house that he requests her not to open. The story of their marriage is intermingled with a present-day story, when their daughter Robin visits Stella in Dublin after Martyn’s funeral.

This is probably not a book I would have picked up on my own. It was lent to me by one of my professors, and since I have so many books of my own to read as it is, I decide to give it a fifty pages test. Before I even reached page twenty, I was hooked. I can’t quite explain why, but this novel’s quiet, sombre mood completely sucked me in. Though this is a slow and reflective story, it’s also quite a page-turner, possibly because it has an element of mystery. Who is Martyn? What is he hiding? Just where do the illusions stop?

I really loved Stella’s voice, which is subtle and lyrical and precise. The writing is very beautiful, and I regret that I had to return the book before I had time to type my favourite passages. I also loved that Stella was a writer (I almost wrote “was a diver”—which will only make sense to Interpol fans, I’m afraid). She doesn’t begin as one, but watching her grow confident and find her voice was one of my favourite things about this novel.

The Illusionist is a story about trust, about silences, about art—and above all, about the importance of having some space in your life, however small, that is solely yours. For Stella, this is her writing. The ever-secretive Martyn does his best to crush it, though, and often tells her just how much he resents her written words and private thoughts.

Though it doesn’t quite seem like it at first, the story turns out to be a bit dark. Martyn is just such an unpleasant man, and I really felt for Stella when she was at her most lonely. Also, Martyn does tricks with doves, and Stella has ornithophobia (which I completely sympathize with. Those beaks! Those beady eyes!). He dismisses her fear completely, saying things like “I thought you were a rational, intelligent woman.” The scenes in which he forces her to be near the birds really got to me.

There’s also Stella’s complicated relationship with Robin, who adores her father, and with her own mother. There’s her friend Bill, who encourages her writing. And to make the story even more interesting, we have the often complicated relationship between Ireland and England playing in the background. Though the ending of The Illusionist leaves some questions unanswered, it wasn’t at all unsatisfying. This was a lovely book - a very pleasant surprise.

Amanda said...
This sounds gorgeous, Ana. I have to admit, the cover actually sucked me in a bit, too.

Loren Eaton said...
Any relation to the movie of the same name?

Debi said...
Another beautiful review, Ana! I'm not sure if it’s a book I'll ever get around to reading, but I have a feeling I'd love it if I did.

Paperback Reader said...
I thought of the movie too but it sounds different albeit lovely.

Nely said...
This sounds fabulous. I had never heard of it before but I will definintely be checking it out.

Louise said...
What a great review. I cannot recall if I've heard about this book before, but I seem to remember the cover. On the other hand, I know that I haven't read it, but you have definitely piqued my curiosity now :o)

Scrap girl said...
Fabulous review. I would definitely read this. I like the darkness of it. The cover is lovely too. I am a sucker for a pretty cover.

Nymeth said...
Amanda: The cover really intrigued me too. And it actually captures the mood of the book really well, I think. [Later:]

Loren Eaton and Claire said
No relation, but the movie is based on a Steven Millhauser short story.

[…]

jenclair said...
Love the cover and the mysterious element, but especially the idea of Stella finding her own voice. Great review!

Iliana said...
Oh I was also thinking of the movie at first when I was reading your review. Anyway, another one for my list!

christina said...
Haha, when I glanced at the title, I thought it was the/a book that the movie The Illusionist was based on. And then I read on.

I'm glad that the book was rewarding for you. I find it difficult when someone gives me a book and I want to read it to bond with them, but then consider my long TBR stack!

[…]

Matt said...
I always thought setting in a train or a airplane is both surreal and romantic. I'll check this one out. It sounds just perfect! :)

[…]
Chris said...
Sounds really cool! It actually reminds me of something but I can't think for the life of me what it is...I know I've read something similar though. And I love the Interpol reference ;)

wisteria said...
Sucked in after 20 pages sounds great to me! I'll have to put this on my wish list. Finding a space for yourself is my essence. Thanks for sharing your great find.

[…]

Stephanie said...
A book I've never heard of (although I did like the movie of the same name. Of course, I'm sure it’s totally unrelated!) The cover is way cool too. That’s enough of an incentive for me to pick it up!

heidenkind said...
This book sounds absolutely great! I am definitely going to look for it. Thanks for the review. :)

[…]

Sarah said...
Kimbofo over at Reading Matters is a Jennifer Johnston enthusiast, your review has reminded me I've meant to try her work. You might be interested in KimbofO’s reviews of many other Johnston books [link]

Lenore said...
Reminds me of bluebeard (is it?) - the guy who tells his new girl not to look in the locked room...

Dar said...
This is one of the many things I like about your reviews -I've never heard of this book but it sounds amazing. The cover first caught my attention-it’s lovely.

Alice Teh said...
Dark books are appealing to me. This one sounds good and I'm glad you reviewed it.

Iliana said:
You know, I actually haven't watched the movie! I always meant to, though. Story of my life with movies

[..]

Matt said:
Their first encounter is all romantic and mysterious, but he quickly becomes creepy!

[…]
Sam said:
I'm glad people are getting excited about this book.

[…]

Kim L said...
Wow this one sounds awesome. It isn't something I would have picked up either, but your description has me hooked. I want to know more about these characters, and the secret that Martyn is hiding.

[…]

Ladytink_534 said...
Why does this sound so familiar to me? There’s something about it but I really can't put my finger on it ... Anyway, that fear of birds doesn't sound like something I would like to have lol. My mom and I have owned several over the years including three Conure parrots, an Indian Ringneck, an African Grey parrot, and two cockatiels. Some bite but for the most part most of them are incredibly sweet.

Joanne said...
Fantastic review! I like the idea of not truly knowing the person you're with, because it’s so true to life. It’s scary to think that someone you love is completely alien to you. It’s like no matter how much you love them, spend time together, talk, whatever - you can never know what’s inside.

Trish said...
I'm actually wondering why this might have been a book that you wouldn't pick up on your own. Simply because you have too many others or because it didn't sound appealing? I'm trying to figure it out because your review has me totally captivated--sounds like a really heartwrenching albiet beautiful story. Although, I have to admit I gave a little giggle at this: Those beaks! Those beady eyes! When I was little I saw a clip of The Birds in 3D at a theme park and it scared the crud out of me. I'm scarred for life, I'm certain.

Nymeth said...
Kim: We don't find out everything at the end, but for some reason I didn't find that frustrating. It worked well for me.

Hazra said:
I actually haven't seen the movie, but I'm going to go ahead and say the story is just as good anyway.

Ladytink said:
It’s weird for me to find birds so disturbing because I normally love all animals. I believe that they're sweet, but I don't want them *too* near me.

Joanne said: Your comment reminded me of Paper Towns :P In this case, the distance is so huge you wonder how they can be a married couple at all.

Trish said:
Because I have so many others, and because I'd never heard of the author before. These days most of what I get are recommendations from other bloggers. Even if I can't remember who reviewed it, I'm more likely to pick up a book if I've seen it somewhere. I guess what I should have said is that I probably wouldn't have discovered it on my own. And lol! I didn't see The Birds in 3D, but I did see it when I was little, and it scarred me too.