f you look into my entire Library of Alexandria, you’ll find a review for Shades of Grey, a curious book by Jasper Fforde. Red Side Story is the second (and possibly final) book of the series set up by the author, where a strange, tightly-controlled society with it’s hierarchy based on archaic rules and your ability to see one certain color) comes totally unglued. We have Edward and Jane, my favorite ruf-love couple, trying to make things work around the rule-checking yellows and the governing purples, all supported by the various other hues, with everyone lording over the greys (basically, the unwashed, downtrodden masses). Yeah, weird place.

But in this second book, we begin to figure out (through the main character’s pinhole eyes) how everything works. Secrets are revealed. Plots are uncovered. The whole story of the “Fallen Man” and the what-the-hell killer-swans are all about is made known. But the author is like someone taking apart something for our benefit, and you rapidly understand that there is no going back. The young heroic couple are now wanted, to be killed by Green Room or off-board artillery, their lives not worth a plug shilling.

So yes, I gotta respect an author who moves us along and doesn’t just preserve a world for future franchising. No going back, kids.

I’ve got to say that if you haven’t read these two books, it’s worth it if you like good storytelling and a unique setting. Praise from me!

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