- Paperback: 336 pages
- Publisher: Melville House Uk (6 Jun. 2019)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1911545299
- ISBN-13: 978-1911545293
Synopsis
‘The skin was smooth and bright as porcelain, but looked as if it would give to the touch. What manner of wood had he used? What tools to exact such detail? What paints, tints or stains to flush her with life?’ So wonders the window dresser Colton Kemp when he sees the first mannequin of his new rival, a silent man the inhabitants of Marumaru simply call The Carpenter. Rocked by the sudden death of his wife in childbirth and left with twins to raise, Kemp hatches a dark and selfish plan to make his name and thwart his rival. What follows is a gothic tale of art and deception, strength and folly, love and transgression, which ranges from small-town New Zealand to the graving docks of the River Clyde in Scotland. Along the way we meet a Prussian strongman, a family of ship’s carvers with a mysterious affliction, a septuagenarian surf lifesaver and a talking figurehead named Vengeance. Lives and stories will intertwine as fate takes its cruel trajectory, leaving you feeling as if waking from an unsettling dream
Review
The Mannequin Makers is a wonderfully original read with a touch of the gothic. Set in New Zealand and Scotland this book covers a the late nineteenth to late twentieth century. Two mannequin makers, one known only as The Carpenter and the other Colton Kemp go head to head with their displays in the towns two department stores. One night in 1902 Carlton Kemp’s life changes forever and puts a devious plan into place that will thwart his rival. Sixteen years later, on New Year’s Eve, Carlton Kemp unveils his latest mannequins, so life like and perfect that all who see marvel at them, especially The Carpenter but none knows the real dark truth. This book is part historical fiction, part gothic and completely original
The Mannequin Makers is a difficult book to review as I don’t want to give anything away and it is unlike any book I have read before. I picked up this book expecting one thing but getting something very different, in a good way. What I can say is that I absolutely loved this book. There is the historical part but it also has touches of mystery, thriller, and gothic tale that reminds me in part of a Grimm Fairytale at times. Craig Cliff has a beautiful writing style that seamlessly blends all these ingredients together to make such a wonderful and enjoyable book to read.
This book is full of colourful, quirky and memorable characters. The main narrators are The Carpenter, whose story we follow from being a maker of figure heads for ships in Scotland, to travelling half way around the world and finding himself in Marumaru, and his rival Colton Kemp suffers the tragic loss of his wife in childbirth and from that moment becomes obsessed with the perfect mannequin. I did have a degree of sympathy for his character but his selfish and shocking behaviour soon changed my mind; he became like a mannequin in his heartlessness and coldness. There are plenty of fantastic characters that brighten this book up, in personality and dress.
The Mannequin Makers a fabulous read that will hook you and take you wonderful and exciting adventure that you won’t forget in a hurry. Craig Cliff’s innovate plot line, eccentric characters and vivid detail come together perfectly in this tale of obsession, beauty and seeking perfection at any cost. There are twists and turns a plenty and a dark side to this rich and detailed book that compels you to read on. An unusual, unforgettable and utterly brilliant read.
I would like to thank Melville House UK for inviting me to be part of the blog tour for this book. I hope as readers you have enjoyed my review and will share it via social media.
