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Cover of THE THRESHOLD AND THE LEDGER
3.55

Based on 11 Goodreads ratings

THE THRESHOLD AND THE LEDGER

by both Aeschylus’ Oresteia and artist Douglas Gordon’s seminal video installation 24\u002DHour Psycho. McCarthy’s play is reprinted in this book’s appendix, as is Bachmann’s “Salt and Bread,” in both English and German. Reveling in the subtle delicacy of Bachmann’s wording, the author investigates particularly potent etymologies and scans multiple translations in tandem. Invocations of works by Kafka, Dostoevsky, and Shakespeare add to McCarthy’s storm of citations, all of which usher in a short study of Bachmann’s 1971 magnum opus, the novel Malina. McCarthy’s work is an invigorating and inspiring incantation: Readers will not only marvel at how the author reads but also at his ability to articulate that experience into something both erudite and accessible. Eventually, Bachmann’s importance feels secondary to the journey: McCarthy resists guiding readers to a comprehensive closing statement and instead chooses to create a framework for the reader with a foundation of literary ideas. Ending on “the threshold of both Malina and the poetic event\u002Dfield, all the books\u002Dto\u002Dcome, to which Bachmann’s masterpiece opens the door,” McCarthy invites readers through, toward revelations of their own."

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Pages:112
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9781912559

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This gripping young adult novel masterfully blends supernatural suspense with the emotional turmoil of adolescence, creating a compelling narrative about a teenager who discovers an ancient ledger th...

Our Review

This gripping young adult novel masterfully blends supernatural suspense with the emotional turmoil of adolescence, creating a compelling narrative about a teenager who discovers an ancient ledger that holds the key to crossing between worlds. When the protagonist uncovers this mysterious artifact, they're thrust into a dangerous realm where every decision carries life-or-death consequences and the boundary between reality and the supernatural grows increasingly thin. The story's tension builds steadily as the main character learns that the ledger doesn't just record transactions—it documents souls and their fates across parallel existences. Readers will find themselves completely immersed in this carefully constructed universe where magical systems operate with consistent, believable rules.

What sets this fantasy adventure apart is its sophisticated exploration of moral ambiguity and the weight of responsibility, themes that will resonate deeply with older teens navigating their own complex choices. The protagonist's journey through threshold spaces serves as a powerful metaphor for the transition from childhood to adulthood, making the supernatural stakes feel personally relevant to young readers. Supporting characters are richly developed with their own motivations and secrets, ensuring that even secondary relationships impact the central narrative meaningfully. This thought-provoking tale will leave readers contemplating the invisible ledgers in their own lives long after turning the final page.

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