July 2005. In the Pyrenees mountains near Carcassonne, Alice, a volunteer at an archaeological dig, stumbles into a cave and makes a startling discovery-two crumbling skeletons, strange writings on the walls, and the pattern of a labyrinth.
I was on a motorcycle trip to the South of France when I first saw the magnificent medieval walled city of Carcassonne. I could not resist a visit. I'm glad I did, as it helped me understand Kate Mosse's fascination with this unforgettable place.
My visit was the main reason for reading Labyrinth, but I was also intrigued by the story of how the book was picked up as a book of the week on the 'Richard and Judy' TV show, (praised by guest reviewers Carol Thatcher and Bettany Hughes), and became an instant number one, and an international multi-million best seller.
I found it took perseverance to follow the complex dual time format, but worth the effort as the story picks up pace and we start to care about the characters, particularly Alais. I wondered if the dual time device, with inept police was really necessary, as the story of Alais and her father was strong enough to support the narrative.
By the time I reached chapter 69, (which is taken up with one character explaining the complicated plot to another), I felt as if I'd been following a labyrinthine path which could lead nowhere, but Kate Mosse delivers at the end, and I will be reading the next book in the series.
I recommend reading the end notes, as I particularly liked the guided tour of Carcassonne, illustrated with pictures of locations used in the book, as well as the questions for reading groups.
Tony Riches
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