The Betrayals - Bridget Collins

The Betrayals has been sat on my bookshelf for a little while now. I read The Binding by Bridget Collins a couple of years ago and loved it. But it was one of those books that really got under my skin. The storytelling was fantastic but it gave me such an almighty book-hangover that I didn't want to willingly set myself up again. 

Leo has resigned from his job as Minister of Culture and sent back to the monastery where he spent his time learning, mastering and perfecting the grand jeu. Being back at Montverre brings about the memories of his time there, including his reluctant friendship with his rival. 

I will admit that I had to look up a few things whilst I was reading it - especially in the first 100 or so pages because I just couldn't get my head around what a "grand jeu" was, where the book was set, or what time period the book was based in. And by the time I finished there were still so many unanswered questions.

A few speculations: 

• I like think that the book is set in the early-mid 30's and in France. Of course the language supports this but it could have even be Switzerland perhaps?

• If the writer went further into this "Party" that was left unnamed, then the story would have become too political. Hints of the Purity Act lead me to think it may have even been linked to the Nazi regime.

• If the character of The Rat was further explained, then is could have become too psychological. The character did tie in ultimately but I think they may have been included purely as a vessel for some of the later chapters. 

One thing I both love and hate is that the game is never explained. However, in the Afterward, the writer does explain that she drew inspiration from The Glass Bead Game (or Magister Ludi) by Hermann Hesse.

I adored the way this book played out. There were elements that were completely unexpected, and I was completely immersed in the entire thing from start to finish. I can see why some people believe The Binding is the better book, but for me, The Betrayals was more creative and clever in its plot.