After his last book didn't measure up to my DK standards, I really wasn't all that excited to read it - this was before I found out I could read it early and review it. Once I was given the chance, my interest perked up a bit and I started it almost immediately.
The story is.....unlike anything of Dean's that I've read, but at the same time, still Dean's style all the same. It's difficult to describe. Instead of being a gripping, page-turner like a lot of his books have been for me, this one just kinda grabbed me, it intrigued me. And I think that had something more to do with the characters rather than the story itself. Sure, he threw in a little bit of paranormal/magic which seemed prevalent in so many of his previous books (some of my favorites, actually), but the characters, oh the characters. They draw you in, they make you love them, feel like you've known them all your life. I want to say that I think Mr. Yoshioka is definitely one of my favorite characters. I love everything about him, especially his wisdom. And Jonah's mom, Sylvia, I just want to high-five her and say, "Hell yeah, girl! You rock!" She was awesome with everything that she endured and accomplished, and how she handled it.
I'm surprised that I got into this book as much as I did because I'm not normally a fan of books that are set in anything other than contemporary settings. But it worked, and I learned some things as I usually do when I read a DK book. He certainly does his research so he knows what he's writing about. Every time I read one, I feel as though I've gotten and education on one subject or another. This one was history and art.
I do recommend this book if you're looking for something interesting or intriguing, or if you like history (Vietnam War time frame). I don't recommend it if it's your first Koontz, especially if you've had friends talk about his other books because, if you aren't aware of the way he can cross genres (most of the time, successfully), this could be a let down for you. Read a dozen of his other ones first, then come back to this. :)
From the GoodReads website: "The city changed my life and showed me that the world is deeply mysterious. I need to tell you about her and some terrible things and wonderful things and amazing things that happened . . . and how I am still haunted by them. Including one night when I died and woke and lived again.
Here is the riveting, soul-stirring story of Jonah Kirk, son of an exceptional singer, grandson of a formidable “piano man,” a musical prodigy beginning to explore his own gifts when he crosses a group of extremely dangerous people, with shattering consequences. Set in a more innocent time not so long ago, The City encompasses a lifetime but unfolds over three extraordinary, heart-racing years of tribulation and triumph, in which Jonah first grasps the electrifying power of music and art, of enduring friendship, of everyday heroes.
The unforgettable saga of a young man coming of age within a remarkable family, and a shimmering portrait of the world that shaped him, The City is a novel that speaks to everyone, a dazzling realization of the evergreen dreams we all share. Brilliantly illumined by magic dark and light, it’s a place where enchantment and malice entwine, courage and honor are found in the most unexpected quarters, and the way forward lies buried deep inside the heart."
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