Zélie is living in Paris, working as a maid in a grand house near the Opera. Although she tries to make the best of things, life isn't great for her as the rest of the staff believe she is a witch - life is lonely and the only company she has is Rodolphe, the pigeon who visits the window of her attic room. When her father's letters stop arriving, she realises that something has happened to him and decides to run away to find him. However, her plans change when she opens the door to find a boy she's never met before, Jules, standing there with a locket in his hand that he found in the sewers beneath the city. Zélie recognises it instantly and together, the pair embark upon an adventure across Paris that will see them up against a dangerous scientific society; flee to the circus in the quest for answers and then risk their own lives for the truth.
It's no secret that I adore Paris and have a weakness for books set in the city, so I was instantly drawn to Secrets of The Snakestone when the proof copy arrived for me. Choosing to wait until I could curl up with it and give it the attention it deserved was tricky but I'm glad that I did, for once I was drawn into the streets and sewers of Paris, I found it difficult to leave.
Set during the 1890s, Secrets Of The Snakestone lets us into the life of Zélie who is clearly not having the easiest of times. She is alone in a city that isn't her home, she is feeling homesick and is on the receiving end of hurtful comments from those around her. It soon becomes apparent, however, that Zélie is not your average 1890s girl and has an inner strength that will inspire readers. I particularly liked the pep-talks she gave to herself as well as the love she has for her father which is evidently what drives her on in her quest.
Jules has had a very different upbringing and is simply trying to make his way in the world in any way he can. Working with his father in the sewers, the last thing he is searching for is adventure. As the author's note reminds us, although the 1890s was know as la Belle Époque in Paris, there were many who weren't privileged enough to experience this side of life and were struggling in poverty. The book shows the contrasts of Parisian life perfectly and will undoubtedly lead to some interesting discussions.
Throughout the book, I loved the weaving of legends with science, of gemstones and magic, and the contrast of riches against the darkness of the the streets and sewers of Paris. Secrets Of The Snakestone is a deliciously enticing, gripping adventure that will snake its way into your mind so you find yourself thinking about the characters even when you're not reading the book. Publishing on the 14th March, get ready to creep into a gothic world of gemstones, mystery and murky tunnels, and be prepared not to want to leave. If this is Piu's debut novel, then I am very excited about what is to come next.
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