1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
More than just a book, 2004-02-22
There's a lot to like here. This book opens a series that is sequel to Griffin and Sabine, one of the most imaginative sets I've ever seen.Like G&S, we see our characters only through their correspondence. This gives a delicious sense of voyeurism, of peeking in on unguarded moments between intimates. The book presents the postcards at standard size, usually with images on one side and text on the other. The letters are separate sheets, in envelopes that are built into the book. This creates a distinctive reading experience - the physical interaction between book and reader is very different from normal turn-the-page, and evokes a sense of personal involvement.
The imagery is rich and layered, in Bantock's signature style. The best of these pictures contain many elements, where each retains a distinct identity within the whole. Sometimes, though, the different components seem overworked and run together, an effect I find murky.
The plot is cryptic and eerie as in G&S, partly because this extends G&S. As in real life, the story moves forward in uneven increments, a step forward by this character, then a step by that one. It holds my attention, but doesn't seem to carry the drama of the original series.
This is a wonderful book and an uncommon experience in reading. Bantock struck sparks in the original Griffin and Sabine series that he tries to recapture here. 'Gryphon' continues the story capably, but lacks the freshness of G&S. Still, I'm looking forward to the next books in this set.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
What took him so long!, 2002-02-19
I knew there was more to be written by Bantock than just the third book of G&S trilogy and sure enough after all this time he does it again. However, I was wanting more about Griffin and Sabine and I had hoped the baby picture at the end of the third book was an indication of more about them. Instead, Bantock begins with a new trilogy, with new lovers. But thank God he kept with his unique stlye of writing with letters and intriguing pictures and art work that varies through out the book making him a writer in his own class. His work is excellent and I started reading him years ago when I saw how beautiful his trilogy looked on a book shelf. That has led me to buy all his books including his address book and notecards and now my friends collect his stuff also.
If your not sure you want to read this book or the Griffin and Sabine trilogy than at least pick up the "Venetians Wife" and I guarantee you will change your mind. All of Bantock's books have an unusual theme filled with mystery, some romance and intrigue enough to make me read the books in one sitting. Please give one of his works a try especially if you are bored with the standard form of mystery writing. Bantock's books are a delight not only to read but to look at, even if you don't like this type of reading. BEWARE OF ALL THE CLUES AND TWIST IN HIS BOOKS.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
Missed hearing from Griffin and Sabine, 2002-02-12
Once again, as he did in his Griffin and Sabine trilogy, Nick Bantock combines, in a most clever manner, both mystical thoughts and ideas using letters and postcards in his newest book, The Gryphon. With wonderful illustrations of stamps from far away places and beauiful calligraphy on notes which fold out from actual envelopes, the author engages his readers with further tales about Griffin and Sabine. While this book is a bit darker than his others and also engages two more characters in the search for Griffin and Sabine, overall this title is a welcome addition to the first three books which were so very unique when they were first published.
Now, after almost a decade's absence from the literary scene, its nice to know that Griffin and Sabine are alive and well. But if we still don't know exactly where they are in the world, one wonders if Mr. Bantock is having too much fun writing these books to ever let us find out.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
Gorgeous artwork, but not as good as first G&S trilogy, 2002-01-19
I am happy to add this to my Griffin and Sabine collection, although the storyline isn't as strong as the first trilogy. The ending was way too abrupt. I have to hand it to Bantock, though -He makes you eager to get your hands on the next book in the series! There's still nothing else like his books on the market, so I continue to enjoy the originality of these books.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
Gripping but... open-ended, 2001-12-30
This was a book that I literally fell into. I ended up plopping on the floor next to the shelf to read the whole thing in one sitting. I was enchanted by the intrigue, but frustrated in the same way I would be in real life, because nothing is really revealed in this book. It rather felt transitional. But I closed the book feeling honored to have read the secret correspondances that continue Sabine and Griffin's adventures.
If you are following the clues in this entire story, I don't recommend skipping this book. It is yet another step and that in itself is a revelation. We are reading someone else's private mail in this series and yet, we are trying to piece the legends together... but its going as slowly as life does. So, instead of looking for a payoff (like any kind of an ending), enjoy the process, the deliciously rich artwork will take you off to exotic lands and you will feel well-traveled and energized at the end of the book. That is, if you have parked your disbelief at the door before leafing through The Gryphon.