The Name of This Book is a Secret

I just finished reading The Name of This Book is a Secret, by Psuedonymous Bosch. The book tells  story of Cass and Max-Ernest, two lonely students with very distinctive personalities who find each other by chance. They hear about a mysterious fire that supposedly killed a retired magician, leaving behind an odor of rotten eggs and a mysterious box labeled The Symphony of Smells. It contains 99 vials, each filled with a powder, liquid, or object containing a specific smell. Upon breaking and entering into the house of the dead magician, they meet the evil Ms. Mauvis and Dr. L, leaders of the Midnight Sun, people who have kept themselves young for as long as hundreds of years, striving for complete immortality. After  this encounter, they find themselves caught up in a deadly struggle between two secret societies for the Secret—the key to eternal life.

I enjoyed this book for many reasons, one being that the characters had really rich personalities that enhanced the readers experience. The plot was interesting and unique, but what really fascinated me was the style of the writing. I love how the author himself is an actual character separate from the plot but involved in it as well. While the story follows Cass and Max-Ernest and their growing involvement with the secret, some chapters are devoted to the author. He is often being chased by the Midnight Sun, or is involved with characters from the book. I liked the parts were the author portrayed himself as involved in the plot—it makes it seem as if the book has been brought to life. The book bears many similarities to Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. Both authors publish their work under pseudonyms—Bosch goes as far as tho include the word Pseudonym in his first name. They both include sections separate from the text with the authors perspective, and use layout creatively. They also both include hidden patterns or messages in their writing, such as Pseudonymous Bosch and Max-Ernest being altered versions of Heronomous Bosch and Max Ernst, two famous artists. I really enjoyed this book, and thought it was written very cleverly.