As the third Christopher Moore book I've read this year, this was definitely a different style than I was expecting. While both Lamb and Demonkeeping provided for delightfully witty, funny, and wholly inappropriate comedies that skirt the bounds of belief systems while making fun of organized religion in an on-point sort of way, Bleu was far more macabre and dark in its humor.
This was probably my favorite, despite its far more serious and dark story. It's 1890, during the French Impressionist period, and Van Gogh has died. There's a strange, gnarled man referred to as "The Color Man" (or, Poop-on-a-stick, by the main character, Bleu). Bleu is Juliet. And Carmen. And Suzanne. And Merle Lasard. And Victorine. And she is the epitome of sex and lust and using her body as inspiration for all of these great artists.
Artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Toulouse leTrec, Renoir, and others.
A delightful mystery with a wonderful storytelling element of these greats of the Parisian coffee houses, brothels, and impressionist community of old. And new.
The book begins and weaves a sordid tale, that becomes enchanting and also makes me wonder if perhaps I was breathing in opium due to how crazy it got at certain points. And yet it never felt out of place as I reflect back on how the tale unfolded. It also ends in the year 2012. Throughout the book it covers a 40,000 to 50,000 year history - in very very brief detail - of humanity and inspiration.
Another 5 star book for me. Be prepared for intrigue far more than laughter.
Happy Reading!
Jennifer
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