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Tales from the folly
Tales from the Folly Author: Ben AaronovitchPage Count: UnknownPublication Year: 2020-GB Ben Aaronovitch’s Tales from the Folly is a masterclass in blending the mundane with the supernatural, where the ordinary bureaucratic grind of a government office collides with the eerie and the arcane. Published in 2020, this collection of short stories serves as a tantalizing companion to Aaronovitch’s broader Rivers of London series, offering readers a deeper dive into the unseen battles fought by Detective Constable Peter Grant and his colleagues at the Folly—a secretive branch of the Metropolitan Police tasked with policing the supernatural. At its core, Tales from the Folly explores the tension between order and chaos, not just in the literal sense of magical threats disrupting society, but in the bureaucratic and personal struggles that define the lives of those who police the unknown. Aaronovitch’s genius lies in his ability to ground his fantastical elements in relatable human experiences. The stories are peppered with dry humor, sharp dialogue, and a keen eye for the absurdities of both police work and magical bureaucracy. Whether it’s dealing with a rogue river spirit causing plumbing disasters or a ghostly bureaucrat haunting the archives, the tales are as much about the mundane frustrations of office life as they are about the supernatural. One of the standout themes in the collection is the idea of institutional inertia. The Folly is a place where ancient magic meets modern red tape, and the stories brilliantly capture the frustration of navigating a system that is as resistant to change as it is to supernatural interference. Aaronovitch’s prose is laced with wit, often poking fun at the absurdity of trying to maintain order in a world where the rules are constantly being rewritten by forces beyond human comprehension. The characters, particularly Peter Grant, are flawed and endearing, their struggles with paperwork and politics as compelling as their battles with ghosts and ghouls. Aaronovitch’s style is deceptively simple, with a conversational tone that makes the stories accessible even to readers unfamiliar with the Rivers of London series. His descriptions of London—its hidden alleys, its historic buildings, and its modern underbelly—are vivid and immersive, making the city itself a character in the stories. The dialogue crackles with energy, and the humor is often understated but always effective. Whether it’s a sly reference to a classic horror trope or a wry observation about the inefficiencies of magical bureaucracy, Aaronovitch keeps the tone lighthearted even as the stakes grow higher. The collection also shines a light on the personal lives of the characters, offering glimpses into their struggles and triumphs beyond their supernatural duties. Peter Grant, in particular, is a compelling protagonist—his dry wit and sharp intelligence make him easy to root for, even as he grapples with the weight of his responsibilities. The stories are interspersed with moments of introspection, where the characters confront their own fears and doubts, adding depth to their already rich personalities. What makes Tales from the Folly so compelling is its ability to balance humor, horror, and heart. The supernatural elements are never gratuitous; they serve a purpose, whether it’s driving the plot forward or illuminating the characters’ inner lives. The stories are also refreshingly diverse, both in terms of their characters and their settings, reflecting the real-world complexity of modern London. In many ways, Tales from the Folly is a love letter to the power of storytelling itself. The characters are storytellers, historians, and archivists, each grappling with the weight of their own narratives. The collection celebrates the idea that stories—whether they’re about ghosts, bureaucrats, or ordinary people—are the glue that holds the world together. For fans of the Rivers of London series, Tales from the Folly is a must-read, offering new layers to the world Aaronovitch has created. For newcomers, it’s an accessible and entertaining introduction to a unique and imaginative universe. Either way, it’s a book that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. #TalesFromTheFolly #PeterGrant #UrbanFantasy #SupernaturalBureaucracy #RiversOfLondon #BenAaronovitch