Summary:

The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler is a captivating tale that weaves together the lives of two families across generations, exploring themes of love, loss, and the power of storytelling. Through a mysterious old book and a series of haunting tarot cards, the protagonist, Simon Watson, unravels the secrets of his family’s past and discovers a connection that may save his sister from a tragic fate.

The Watson Family Curse

The story begins with Simon Watson, a librarian living in a crumbling house on the coast of Long Island. Simon receives a mysterious package containing an old book that once belonged to his grandmother, Evangeline. As he delves into the book’s contents, he discovers a disturbing pattern: every woman in his family has drowned on July 24th. Simon becomes increasingly convinced that his sister, Enola, is in danger and that he must find a way to break the family curse.

The Carnival and the Peabody Family

In his quest for answers, Simon reaches out to a rare book dealer, Martin Churchwarry, who reveals the origins of the book and its connection to a traveling carnival in the 18th century. The carnival was owned by a mysterious man named Hermelius Peabody, who possessed a collection of strange and powerful tarot cards. Simon learns that his family has a long-standing connection to the carnival and the Peabody family, and that the fate of his ancestors is intertwined with the cards.

The Power of Storytelling

As Simon uncovers more about his family’s history, he becomes engrossed in the stories of his ancestors. He learns about Amos, a mute boy who becomes a circus performer, and his daughter, Evangeline, who possesses a unique ability to hold her breath underwater. Through these stories, Simon realizes the importance of storytelling and how it can shape our lives and relationships. He also discovers that the tarot cards hold the key to unlocking the secrets of his family’s past.

Simon’s journey takes him to a dilapidated mansion where he meets Alice, a descendant of the Peabody family. Together, they uncover the truth behind the curse and the significance of the tarot cards. As the fateful day of July 24th approaches, Simon must confront his fears and make a choice that will determine the fate of his sister and his family.

Key takeaways from The Book of Speculation:

• The power of storytelling: The book highlights the transformative power of stories and how they can shape our understanding of ourselves and our relationships.
• The weight of family history: The novel explores the impact of family history and the ways in which it can shape our lives, for better or worse.
• The importance of breaking cycles: The story emphasizes the need to break free from destructive patterns and find a way to forge a new path.

“A story is a letter that the author writes to himself, to tell himself things that he would be unable to discover otherwise.”

In conclusion, The Book of Speculation is a beautifully written and enchanting novel that explores the power of storytelling and the weight of family history. Erika Swyler masterfully weaves together past and present, mystery and romance, creating a compelling narrative that will keep readers captivated until the very end.