Review by Kelyn -- Seven at Two Past Five by Tara Basi

[Kelyn]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Seven at Two Past Five" by Tara Basi.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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This is Abi’s story. Officially, her name is Seven at Two Past Five but to herself, she is simply Abi. An elderly button maker, Abi has lived a life of absolute, unbroken solitude and perfect order. On this morning, however, something delightfully unusual has occurred. For as long as she can remember, Abi has experienced the Terrors, horrendous nightmares from which she awakes each morning terrified and soaked in sweat. Today she awoke peacefully, dimly able to recall a gloriously pleasant dream. It is a welcome respite she can only hope continues. The usual pattern of her day resumes, consistent until she arrives at her workshop. Here she meets with yet another difference. This one is not nearly so pleasant as the first. Rather than her customary supplies and instructions for the day, she finds a black envelope containing an accusation of “Disturbance Potential” predicated by the Terror’s absence. She has received a judgment stating that their disappearance is a willful and deliberate act on her part and that she must immediately return to them or face further judgment and penalty.

Baffled and greatly disturbed by this blatantly unfair ruling, Abi does the unthinkable. She initiates a series of encounters with others to demand an appeal. What follows is a preposterous and often surreal journey through an oppressive justice system whose functioning crosses the borders of sanity into the ludicrous. In navigating its labyrinthine paths, we can detect disturbing hints of similarity to our own. Successfully navigating the ever-increasingly tangled and nonsensical mountains of red tape and a ridiculous bureaucratic obstacle course of arbitrary rules quite deliberately set between Abi and her vindication require her to face her worst fears, uncover new truths and re-discover her true name and purpose. (Navigating that last sentence should give you some idea of what you’re in for.)

Seven at Two Past Five by Tara Basi is an intriguing novel in the best tradition of Roger Zelazny’s Roadmarks and Creatures of Light and Darkness with a generous dose of nonsense and insanity from Alice in Wonderland and a taste of The Giver tossed in and mixed well. In my lifetime, there have been only a few books which compelled me to read them a second time. Seven at Two Past Five is such a book. Abi’s journey is odd, disjointed, circuitous, and a challenge to follow. So too are the philosophical messages secreted in the novel itself. It is a book that almost requires re-reading to discover its many nuances. Twice now I have delved into Abi’s psyche, discovering with her the things she has forgotten, not just about her own life, but about larger realities as well. Each time, I’ve found something I hadn’t quite connected before. It is not an exaggeration to tell you; the last two pages gave me chills both times. It is not a book I will easily forget.

Tara Basi is an excellent storyteller and a master of description. I love how her writing style and voice draw the reader away from being a mere observer and into the story. Many times, I felt like I was in the room with Abi, being just as frustrated as she became with the psychobabble being spouted at her. Wanting to smack some sense into whichever administrative agent Abi was encountering at that time became a remarkably familiar emotion. Basi is no less accomplished in character development. Somehow, she breathes life not only into the main characters but also into every obtuse, conniving or plainly crazy official Abi encounters on the odd and twisting path of her appeal. Abi and those who try to aid her along the way are each relatable and charming in their own ways. The villain, if one can rightly dub him/her as one (no spoilers!), is both repellent and strangely compelling. One significant character trait Basi has included is the way her characters speak. Though it is similar to how we speak today, there is a subtly disturbing “wrongness” about it that conveys a continual sinister atmosphere throughout Abi’s journey.

Seven at Two Past Five is undeniably not an easy read, but it is an enjoyable one. There was really nothing I disliked about it, and I unreservedly award it 4 out of 4 stars. The novel is well-written. I found only a few grammar mistakes, mostly involving commas, but they did not disrupt the flow of the story. It is a story which takes on a life of its own and keeps the reader spellbound through the very last word. Both the narrative and the language are complex. If you’re looking for fluff, I urge you to look elsewhere. This book will make you smile and chuckle, but it will also make you think. On my part, it influenced me to examine my own beliefs, opinions, and values. Readers who enjoy stories holding deeper meanings, dystopian worlds and those who are fans of Kafkaesque writing will enjoy this novel. I highly recommend the book, but only to those who are comfortable with tea parties on the ceiling and who embrace the bizarre.

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Seven at Two Past Five
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Like Kelyn's review? Post a comment saying so!

[maggi3]

Fascinating review! Your first paragraph had me sold me on this story. The Giver is one of my favorite books, so I appreciate the comparison. I'll definitely be reading this one soon. Thanks for the review!

[Uinto]

You got me intrigued by your review. Abi's story seems one I just have to read. Thanks for the review

[allbooked+]

I am not sure I would enjoy this - but I really want to know how she got the name Seven at Two Past Five! I might need to delve into the story to find out. Thank you for the intriguing review!

[Bluebird03]

If reading the last two pages gave you chills both times that you read it, that is really saying something about the ending. I really enjoyed your thought-provoking review!

[unamilagra]

All of Tara Basi's books sound so interesting and creative. I love the premise of this one, and you did a wonderful job highlighting the elements you loved about it. I will have to check this one out!

[Samy Lax]

The plot of the story sounds fascinating to me. It's been a while since I came across something like this. I need to read the story of Seven at Two Past Five! Thanks for the review and recommendation.

[Prisallen]

The fact that you read it a second time is a high recommendation. However, I think that being a challenge to follow would deter me from reading it. Thanks for a wonderful review!

[juliusotieno02]

Wow, thats a really lovely review. Going as per your review, i think this is a semi-adventure story ( you compared it to Alice In Wonderland etc) wich is adequately equiped with proverbial events and actions. I'll definitely look for it. Thanks for the review.

[Kelyn]

Fascinating review! Your first paragraph had me sold me on this story. The Giver is one of my favorite books, so I appreciate the comparison. I'll definitely be reading this one soon. Thanks for the review!

Mine too. I've always disagreed with my English teachers on the ending though. It seems that none of them continued on to read the rest of the series. Otherwise, they'd know the right answer!! I hope you enjoy Seven at Two Past Five as much as I did! thanks for stopping by and commenting!

[Kelyn]

You got me intrigued by your review. Abi's story seems one I just have to read. Thanks for the review

It's definitely become one of my favorites. Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by and commenting!

I am not sure I would enjoy this - but I really want to know how she got the name Seven at Two Past Five! I might need to delve into the story to find out. Thank you for the intriguing review!

Sorry, can't tell. Spoilers!! Pick up the book to discover her secrets. Thanks for the lovely compliment and for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with me!

[Kelyn]

If reading the last two pages gave you chills both times that you read it, that is really saying something about the ending. I really enjoyed your thought-provoking review!

Thanks so much for the compliment! Yes, the ending is definitely something that stays with you. I'm glad you stopped by!!

[Kelyn]

All of Tara Basi's books sound so interesting and creative. I love the premise of this one, and you did a wonderful job highlighting the elements you loved about it. I will have to check this one out!

I know!! I'm currently reading another of her books, though not for review, just because I like her writing! I'm so glad you enjoyed my review and thanks for the compliment. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!

[Kelyn]

The plot of the story sounds fascinating to me. It's been a while since I came across something like this. I need to read the story of Seven at Two Past Five! Thanks for the review and recommendation.

Books like this are few and far between, I assure you. It's definitely worth the time! Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the book!

[Kelyn]

The fact that you read it a second time is a high recommendation. However, I think that being a challenge to follow would deter me from reading it. Thanks for a wonderful review!

It is definitely challenging, but very worth it. Thanks for the lovely compliment and for stopping by and commenting!