Review of The Truth About Elves
- Frank Ezekiel
- Posts: 47
- Joined: 26 Mar 2024, 17:09
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 12
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-frank-ezekiel.html
- Latest Review: Incredible Spy Stories of WWII by Nel Mead
Review of The Truth About Elves
"The Truth About Elves" by Ekta R. Garg, is a holiday novella that circles around the life of a man named Curtis, who works part-time for Santa as an elf at the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Circle is comprised of so many elves—hundreds and perhaps even thousands—they are all there for the same reason. Working for Mr. C. "Santa Claus," as they all call him, the elves all work in different quarter-force shifts, and there’s definitely variety there. People from different places and from all walks of life.
Curtis, who came on board eight years ago, started as part of the First Quarter Force. If he had a choice, he would have lobbied to stay with first quarter shifts. But one thing with Mr. C. is that you don’t get many choices. Freedom, yes. Choices, no.
Curtis always works as an on-call bartender in Las Vegas to earn extra cash while preparing for his quarter shift, which was scheduled for the third quarter in the Arctic, as the story unfolds, due to some odd, unusual circumstances, Curtis's shift was rescheduled to the final quarter. Initially, he thought maybe he should just quit, but because of Mr. C's personality, he couldn't bear to disappoint him, so he accepted the sudden changes. Delving deeper into the book, Curtis, on arrival, wrote a letter requesting an appointment with Mr. C. Their request typically takes two weeks before they can get an appointment because the elves are in multitudes. Curtis intended to tell Mr. C that he was quitting; but somehow it was delayed, which added to Curtis's frustration and annoyances. The appointment finally came.
He told Mr. C that he was not going to finish his quarter shift. December was always hard for Curtis, although it's been ten years. Yet the crisp December air stung Curtis's cheeks, for reasons you'll find deep within the story, a stark contrast to the warmth of the bustling office. He was an elf—a temporary one—a fact that still felt surreal. The Arctic, a whirlwind of activity, was a world away from the quiet solitude he'd sought. Guilt, a heavy cloak, had driven him from his home, from his family, and from the life he'd known. Delve into the story to find out what had happened.
He'd sought refuge in the anonymity of Las Vegas bartending and the Arctic at the North Pole, a place where the magic of Christmas could momentarily distract him from the crushing weight of his grief. Santa, a jolly giant with eyes that held the wisdom of centuries, had taken him in two years ago, offering him a haven amidst the chaos. Curtis had found solace in the rhythmic clatter of hammers, the sweet scent of pine, and the joyous laughter of the elves. But the peace was fragile, a thin veneer over the raw wound that festered within him.
Mr. C then told him he would let him leave on two conditions. First, if he promises to complete an assignment for him on the continent, he'll come back to fly with him on the night shift. After that, he can take some time off and come back for the third quarter next year.
Will Curtis agree to Mr. C's conditions? What will he do when he finds out the continent Mr. C is talking about is Salt Lake City, Utah, the same city Curtis ran away from? The same place where his family lives?
This book is a captivating whirlwind! The characters, both major and minor, leap off the page with vibrant lives. The author's skilful storytelling weaves a spell, drawing you in from the first page and holding you captive until the very last. The writing itself is a joy to read, and the seamless flow of the narrative makes the book feel utterly flawless.
I love everything about the book because it is flawless and perfect. The book is polished to perfection, no doubt the work of a professional editor. The story will keep you on the edge of your seat, never giving you a moment to get bored. This book is a must-read! I give the book a resounding 5 out of 5 rating. I highly recommend this book.
******
The Truth About Elves
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon