THE STOCKHOLM OCTAVO
Author: Karen Engelmann
Publisher: Ecco
ISBN: 9780061995347
Genre: Historical Fiction

THE STOCKHOLM OCTAVO is a wonderfully written historical thriller full of intrigue, lady’s fans—and yes, I mean those kind of fans. Fans women use to fan themselves with, and more, with a deft hand, secretly signal to friends and lovers—hinting at mystery, murder, and a dash of romance. This story is as much about cartomancy as it is about history, and is decked out with an unusual cast of characters, ‘The Eight,’ who Emil Larsson must find in order to achieve what he thinks is his destiny.

Set in Stockholm, Sweden, at the end of the eighteenth-century, we find out Emil Larsson’s destiny isn’t his own, it’s tied up with that of the King of Sweden. All of which is the author’s way of opening up the various levels of society represented in the story, from seedy gaming houses and tap rooms, to the lofty levels of the government and royal palace and sumptuous world of Gustav III. Revolution is brewing on many levels, as the world in which Emil finds himself, is undergoing tumultuous change.

Engelmann’s writing is fluid, graceful, and wonderfully nuanced, sucking the reader into the story where the descriptive prose conjure locations, activities, and conversations that evoke this world, perfectly. This is not by any means a fast, action-packed story, but a slowly nuanced complex story told from a number of POV, centred around Emil Larsson. A story that paints a richly detailed world of manners, morals, and a belief a person can rise above the station they’re dealt in life if but given a chance or, dealt the right hand of cards.

An enjoyable, immersive experience. Highly recommended.