Customer Reviews

The Gryphon: In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Is Rediscovered

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was first introduced to Nick Bantock's work when I was fifteen. I was given a copy of Griffen and Sabine by a Japanese foriegn exchange teacher. It was brilliant and I read it as soon as I opened it. My sister and I were fans and collected the next two books over the next couple of years. Since then, I have bought a number of copies for friends and was delighted when I learned that Bantock was continuing the story with The Gryphon. The Gryphon picks up exactly where the third book leaves off explaining who the mysterious M is and the connection of Griffen and Sabine to the person in the final post card. Bantock effortlessly slips back into the characters of Griffen and Sabine and introduces us to two new, equally as intriguing, characters. The artwork, as always, is stunning. This book is a treat to read. If you've read the trilogy leading up to this, you must also read The Gryphon. If you haven't you should pick up all four books and devour them slowly!

Griffin and Sabine fans: set aside an evening and your favorite chair, and get ready for the adventure to continue. From acclaimed artist and storyteller Nick Bantock, comes the fourth installment of his famed series, "In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Is Rediscovered." Matthew Sedon is an archaeologist working in Egypt, writing postcards and letters to his girlfriend in Paris, Isabella de Reims. One day, Matthew receives a letter from Sabine Strohem, soon followed by copies of her entire correspondence with Griffin Moss. Join Isabella and Matthew as they try and unravel the mystery: is this a real conversation between two people, or an elaborate fiction? And why does it all seem to parallel their own relationship? As always, Bantock's artistry is impeccable, and the postcards and pull-out letters are as beautiful and fun as they have been over the entire series of books. The story is so complex and rich it makes sense to those new to the series, and does not disappoint for die-hard fans.

Like many, I fell in love with Griffin and Sabine in the first series. The romance of their relationship was unmatched, even before they met. Their letters are amazing and I loved the voyeuristic quality of reading their letters and postcards.

However, in the Gryphon, I felt cheated somehow, as though Bantock were simply trying to find a way to capitolize on the success of the first series by continuing the story. As for the link between the two, I found it to be less than beleivable. While I enjoyed the intense passion between Isabella and Matthew, I never felt the link between them and Griffin and Sabine. I thought it lacked any feeling of the bond that was conveyed betweem Griffin and Sabine in the first series.

Again, the letters, postcards and artwork are beautiful and I loved the format of the story, however, I had some issues with the content.

I was delighted to see that Nick Bantock had published another one of his "interactive" books, and this one, the beginning of a new trilogy, is a delight. The art, as usual, is exquisitely detailed and lovingly rendered. Every time I look at a drawing or collage again, I see something new, something I had missed before.

I did not realize how much I had missed this kind of book from Bantock - has it really been 8 years? -- until I had "The Gryphon" in my hands. I read it quickly, then again, more slowly, after which I went back and re-read the Griffin and Sabine trilogy. I am as confused as ever, but that is all right with me!

I had just finished reading "The Artful Dodger" and that really added to my enjoyment of this newest book. I truly admire the way Bantock combines art and text in his books - it is a gift.

In "The Gryphon", Griffin Moss and Sabine Strohem draw two more people, Matthew and Isabella, into their lives and the story unfolds as the reader becomes privy to their correspondence. It is almost voyeuristic, the way we are able to enter their private world through these letters and postcards. Just the act of pulling a letter out of its envelope makes the reader more involved and vested in the story and its outcome.

I think I have most of the books this author has ever had published, even some of his pop-up books, and I never tire of re-reading them or giving them as gifts. The next two books in this trilogy cannot be written soon enough for me!

I knew there was more to be written by Bantock than just the third book of G&S trilogy and sure enough after all this time he does it again. However, I was wanting more about Griffin and Sabine and I had hoped the baby picture at the end of the third book was an indication of more about them. Instead, Bantock begins with a new trilogy, with new lovers. But thank God he kept with his unique stlye of writing with letters and intriguing pictures and art work that varies through out the book making him a writer in his own class. His work is excellent and I started reading him years ago when I saw how beautiful his trilogy looked on a book shelf. That has led me to buy all his books including his address book and notecards and now my friends collect his stuff also.
If your not sure you want to read this book or the Griffin and Sabine trilogy than at least pick up the "Venetians Wife" and I guarantee you will change your mind. All of Bantock's books have an unusual theme filled with mystery, some romance and intrigue enough to make me read the books in one sitting. Please give one of his works a try especially if you are bored with the standard form of mystery writing. Bantock's books are a delight not only to read but to look at, even if you don't like this type of reading. BEWARE OF ALL THE CLUES AND TWIST IN HIS BOOKS.

While browsing through the bookstore the other day, a delightfully illustrated book caught my eye. It reminded me of something I had seen before, perhaps a sequel, I thought. Glancing through the book, The Gryphon, I recalled the Griffin and Sabine trilogy, and promptly leaned against a wall to read. I became caught up as a new mystery unraveled and new characters emerged. My mind explored the new possibilites and stretched to new bounderies that left me confused and disappointed when the book ended. What will happen to Griffen and Sabine? What about Matt and Isabelle? Bantock weaves an amazing story that transcends the reading experience with actual postcards and letters. Hats off to Bantock, I can't wait to see what happens next.

This was a book that I literally fell into. I ended up plopping on the floor next to the shelf to read the whole thing in one sitting. I was enchanted by the intrigue, but frustrated in the same way I would be in real life, because nothing is really revealed in this book. It rather felt transitional. But I closed the book feeling honored to have read the secret correspondances that continue Sabine and Griffin's adventures.

If you are following the clues in this entire story, I don't recommend skipping this book. It is yet another step and that in itself is a revelation. We are reading someone else's private mail in this series and yet, we are trying to piece the legends together... but its going as slowly as life does. So, instead of looking for a payoff (like any kind of an ending), enjoy the process, the deliciously rich artwork will take you off to exotic lands and you will feel well-traveled and energized at the end of the book. That is, if you have parked your disbelief at the door before leafing through The Gryphon.

Went to meet Nick Bantock today in Seattle, and was absolutely delighted. He read from this book, and told us of the other two yet to come in the series. I really love this book, but am just cringing at having to wait another year to find out what happens next! My voyeuristic yearnings are yet again fulfilled by reading someone elses mail! He said that this feeling is "somewhere between sex and Christmas," and I quite agree!

I am happy to add this to my Griffin and Sabine collection, although the storyline isn't as strong as the first trilogy. The ending was way too abrupt. I have to hand it to Bantock, though -He makes you eager to get your hands on the next book in the series! There's still nothing else like his books on the market, so I continue to enjoy the originality of these books.

I am an admiring fan of Bantock - I find him highly creative and artful. The graphics and concept of this book continues the rich vein of Griffin & Sabine, but the story is not complete. He does continue the plot line, adding new elements which kept me interested. It is as though he wrote half or three-quarters of a story. There is no resolution. There needs to be a sequel to this book. Which is a shame - I would have bought his next book anyway. I can't get enough of his interesting letters, cards and additions. Still, I recommend this book, if for no other reason than the creativity.