The Bedlam Stacks by Natasha Pulley is an interesting little book taking place in Peru in the mid-19th century. It focuses on Englishman Merrick Tremayne, an employee of the India Company, who is sent on an expedition with his colleague Clem Markham. They are set to gather cutting from chichona trees, which produce malaria-curing quinine. This is a dangerous expedition because the Peruvians have declared a monopoly on these trees and will kill anyone who tries to take them out.
So far, this description reads more like an historical novel than fantasy, but there are elements of native beliefs and superstitions that enter into the story. Even before leaving England, Merrick encounters these elements through some specimens his grandfather had brought home years earlier, the most unlikely of them a statue which seems to move. When Merrick reaches his destination in Peru, he sees more of these statues and comes to understand that these are considered sacred, both by the villagers and Raphael, the village priest and Merrick’s native guide.
Because the book starts out like the writing of a 19th century English adventurer, the reader may have trouble connecting to the fact that it is labeled as a fantasy. And truth be told, it doesn’t fit any definition of fantasy which I would normally read. However, there are engaging characters, a hint of mystery throughout, and a poignancy in the issues dealt with day to day by the Peruvians. These attributes make it well worth a read.