A Collection of Short Stories Masquerading As A Novel

The plot here is slim. We live in an origami universe with lots of hidden crinkles and folds. Most people just see the obvious. Oddfits see the whole picture and are able to enter into the unseen parts and explore. Our hero, Murgatroyd, was identified as an Oddift as a kid but was then lost track of by the Oddfits. As a consequence he had to live in this known universe without fitting in and always with a sense that he didn't belong. At age twentyfive he is located and recruited by the Oddfits, and apparently the actual adventure will continue in later volumes.

The appeal here is in the many and various set pieces that are peppered throughout the book, which otherwise advances in the forms of exposition, monologues, and explanations offered to Murgatroyd, who is sort of a dull sad sack.

So, there is a delightful chapter early on when Murgatroyd is found by an Oddfit disguised as an ice cream vendor. Murgatroyd is tormented by his insane, oblivious Dahl-esque parents. He has a fine scene as a masterfully competent waiter at a ridiculous high-end restaurant. And so on. Even incidental characters get entire chapters, many of which are interesting. Maybe these and similar scenes circle back to be very important in later books, but I doubt it.

So, fine writing with a quirky and mischievous sense of humor connects these episodes in Murgatroyd's life. This would make a fine themed collection of literary, mildly fantastic, writing. The Singapore setting and flavor add another intriguing angle. There are occasional edgy and deadpan throwaway bits that are especially well done. It's different and sometimes interesting and often entertaining. But, I wasn't convinced that the Oddfit plot was even necessary.

(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

I was intrigued by the description of this book and the beginning of the book kept me reading at the start. Since then, I have tried on and off to finish the book, but found it difficult to keep my attention, which isn't usual. It is a very descriptive book but has very slow moving plot and little action. I just found it hard to relate to and stay engaged within the story,even though I really wanted to and hoped to after trying to read again.