Missing Pages - A Deep Dive Review

by Mark Lawrence (Author)

Updated at: 04/02/2025

Dive deeper into Mark Lawrence's acclaimed Library Trilogy with Missing Pages, a collection of four captivating short stories. Expanding on the world first introduced in the trilogy's opening volume, these tales offer intriguing sidelights and character explorations. "Overdue," "Returns," "About Pain," and "Tabula Rasa" delve into previously unseen corners of the narrative, enriching the overall experience. While each story stands alone, a familiarity with the first book is recommended for maximum enjoyment. This collection provides a satisfying extra layer to Lawrence's intricate and compelling universe, offering fans a chance to revisit beloved characters and uncover hidden truths.

Missing Pages: A collection of short stories associated with The Library Trilogy

4.5 / 20 ratings

Review Missing Pages

Missing Pages: A Collection of Short Stories associated with The Library Trilogy, by Mark Lawrence, is a delightful treat for fans of the main series. While I’d previously encountered three of the four stories in other publications, experiencing them all together within this volume was a truly satisfying experience. The collection offers a perfect blend of familiar comfort and exciting new perspectives.

Starting with the brand-new story, "Tabula Rasa," was an excellent choice. This tale, exploring immortality and the enduring power of stories, immediately captivated me. The epitoad, a recurring character, played a particularly memorable role, adding another intriguing layer to Livira’s already fascinating character. Her interactions with this peculiar creature were charming and showcased her unique ability to find beauty and magic in the most unexpected places. The mechanical guides, a constant source of fascination throughout the Library Trilogy, also received welcome development here, enhancing my understanding of their roles within the larger narrative.

The other three stories – "Overdue," "Returns," and "About Pain" – were reread with the same enjoyment I felt upon first reading them. "Overdue" cleverly blends the whimsical with the serious, offering a humorous take on the world of bookstores and the often-overlooked struggles of writers. The reappearance of beloved characters like Yute, Wentworth the cat, the shadowy dog, and the raven was a genuine delight, instantly transporting me back to the beloved world of the Library. The labyrinthine bookstore, echoing the intricate libraries of the main books, felt like a comforting and familiar space.

"Returns" delves into the life of a specific book, tracing its journey through different hands and revealing its significance to Yute and his daughter. The exploration of how books transform and resonate differently at various stages of life felt deeply resonant and moving. Similarly, "About Pain," examines this shifting perspective on a rereading through the relationship of Holden and Livira, adding another layer of emotional depth. The metafictional exploration of authorship and the story of a life, referencing "The Catcher in the Rye," was intriguing and clever. The recurring appearances of characters from the main series in these short stories felt organic and enriching, strengthening the connection between the shorter works and the larger narrative.

While one reviewer mentioned the book’s less-than-stellar physical quality, my own experience was different. I found the paperback to be perfectly adequate. The font size was clear and large which made the stories accessible and enjoyable. Overall, Missing Pages serves as a wonderful addition to the Library Trilogy. It’s a must-read for fans eager to explore further into this richly imagined world, and a brilliant introduction to others who might want to delve into this fantastical and philosophical series. The short story format allows for concentrated doses of Mark Lawrence’s captivating world-building and thought-provoking storytelling. Each story is a gem, and the collection as a whole is immensely rewarding.