The story, ah yes the story; is there even a beginning or a focal point to begin this tale? Perhaps it’s best to look back, the year is 1711 when a group of alchemists together aboard the Advenna Avis summon a demon to grant them the secrets of immortality; little did they know a tragic scene was about to befall the lot gathered. Or maybe you’d like to discuss 1931’s transcontinental Flying Pussyfoot massacre which entailed murder, carnage, and bloodshed between several groups; each out for their own interests all the while hoping to never meet the mysterious monster who lurks about “The Railtracer”. No? Then perhaps you’d like to hear about what happened back in 1930, in which through a set of meticulous coincidences various characters became immortal due to a mere tasting of a particular elixir.
But no! Let’s not forget the characters, yes the characters; they are all incredible important. Why don’t we follow the young gangster with a heart of gold named Firo Prochainezo of the respected Martillo family, who happens to get caught in the business of immortals placing his life in danger during a time when the “Prohibition era” in New York was more than a simply label which defined a time period. Maybe we can follow a more joyous pair of characters, constantly spreading love and happiness wherever they go; an eccentric pair of robbers who call themselves Isaac & Miria. No, who I’d like to follow is in fact the brilliant young capo of the Gandor family, Luck Gandor. Behind him is a young girl named Eve Genoard, in front of him; a mob leader riddled with bullet holes aiming to take his life at any cost.
No matter where you place your focus whether it be on any specific time period or any number of particular characters. You’re sure to be bewildered by the utter brilliance and suspense read throughout these absolutely magnificent set of novels. Ryohgo Narita composes something special with each novel written. Character dialog, action handled throughout each scene, wording used to allow the reader a chance to seep into what’s happening and completely envision what’s being read, narrative composition that further enhances the detailed accounts of each scene. You find yourself quickly being absorbed into the wonders of the Baccano universe; where ever character holds a genuine place in your heart and you wait with baited breathe for a new novel to thus complete your character fandom.
This is Baccano!, brilliant commotion between amazingly portrayed characters. Where a series of unrelated plots and actions cross and intersect thus spiraling out of control. Journey through the early 1700’s where alchemists like Maiza Avaro, Huey Laforet, Elmer C. Albatross, Sylvie Lumiere, Czesław Meyer, and Szilard Quates are desperately seeking immortality and a way to cross the Atlantic to America in hope of a bright new future. All the way up to the 1930’s prohibition period and beyond; where groups of mobsters, thieves, assassins, and everyone’s in between clash violently. Wonderful characters like Firo Prochainezo, Luck Gandor, Isaac Dian, Miria Harvent, Ladd Russo, Jacuzzi Splot, Claire Stanfield, Ennis the homunculus, Adele, Roy, Edith, Tick Jefferson, Maria Barcelito the Mexican assassin, Shouldered Christopher, and Graham Specter all play pivotal roles and waste not one line of each novel.
Welcome to Baccano!, wonderfully written novels that hold a genuine place in my heart.
