Another book log post…
The Last Coin by James P. Blaylock. About six months ago I started this book, and then we moved to Pennsylvania, and I got sidetracked by Raymond Chandler… anyway, I finally got back around to reading this again, and finished it this time. The book is an urban fantasy about Andrew Vanbergen, who unwittingly becomes a guardian of an evil coin: one of the thirty pieces of silver Judas was paid to betray Jesus. It is also about contraband Weetabix, the Wandering Jew, vigilante parrots, and a faked infestation of ‘possums.
It is difficult to describe Blaylock’s style, though the word “gonzo” has been suggested. The Last Coin is an enjoyable blend of Biblical allusions, European legend, and conspiracy theory, and is equally clever and whimsical. There was one passage in particular, where Andrew muses first about his self-pity, and then about his pride, that stood out for me. The book is quite far from preachy, but had some excellent moral overtones. Faith-wise, I don’t know where Blaylock is. But this is the type of quality novel I wish one could find at the local Christian book store, instead of at the used paperback exchange.
Last Coin is a great book, if for no other reason than it has a recurring joke about Weetabix. Any book that can pull off a recurring joke about Weetabix deserves to be considered a great book.
Comment by bluewoad — January 30, 2006 @ 1:23 pm
I’ve heard Blaylock’s some kind of evangelical, though a lazy one. He’s a friend of Tim Powers, though, which counts for something. I haven’t liked what I’ve read of his, but I’ll have to give The Last Coin a try.
Comment by Elliot — July 30, 2006 @ 2:39 am