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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “Could the 20th century have produced the apotheosis of the Victorian novel? So far, I enjoyed The Quincunx much more than A Tale of Two Cities-- but it makes me want to read more Dickens, Wilkie Collins, and Bronte Sisters. This story is epic in scope, as well as being a whirlwind tour of the...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“The Quincunx is an epic Dickensian-like mystery novel set in 19th century England, and concerns the varying fortunes of young John Huffam and his mother.
Reading Rewards wrote this review Thursday, November 5 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
A thrilling complex plot is made more intriguing by the unreliable narrator of the book - how much can we believe of what he says? First published in 1989, The Quincunx was a surprise bestseller and began a trend for pastiche Victorian novels. It remains one of the best. I loved this book and wanted to read it again as soon as I turned the last page.
An extraordinary modern novel in the Victorian tradition, Charles Palliser has created something extraordinary--a plot within a plot within a plot of family secrets, mysterious clues, low-born birth, high-reaching immorality, and, always, always the fog-enshrouded, enigmatic character of 19th century London itself
Pakenham Library Book Chat”
“I loved it. such racy reading, and a real feel of 18-19th century England.”
Sharada L wrote this review Tuesday, November 3 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I love it... especially the part where all the answers to John Huffam's questions are discovered..”
??MiCheLLe?? J wrote this review Wednesday, October 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Mammoth novel in the vein of Dickens. Wonderful and a personal favorite.”
Leif wrote this review Tuesday, September 8 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“It's difficult to know where to start describing this. I suppose I should start with the single most obvious thing: it's very long. The edition I read is over 1200 pages, and that is a little much. It took nearly 600 pages before I really felt the plot kicking in.
Punxsutawney Paul wrote this review Thursday, July 2 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
If we ignore the length issue then the only bad thing I have to say about it is that the ending left me as a reader feeling like there were too many mysteries unresolved. Which is rather frustrating. And the main character was happy with conclusions that didn't really fit the narrative. However, I took a break and came back to read the authors afterword... and that changed everything. The afterword contained the hints and clues that I'd been vaguely aware of but couldn't quite identify and changed my opinion from one of mild confusion to an awareness that I'd missed a whole lot of hidden details... there's mystery within the mystery!
All I can say is thank goodness for the internet. A few Google searches later I came across a web site that highlighted a lot of the clues and pulled together some suggestions that turned the plot on its head. I also discovered that Charles Dickens full name was Charles 'John Huffam' Dickens, and that he shared a Birthday with the main character in the book. And also with me!
I had intended to rate this novel with 3 stars (4 if it had been a bit shorter). But the afterword has pushed this up to 5 stars. It's awesome.
Oh, and is it just me who misread the surname 'Escreet' as 'Secret' on numerous occasions?”
“If you like Dickens, you'll like this. But I found it hard to believe that so much crap could happen to one kid. A bit over the top for my taste.”
Dirk wrote this review Saturday, May 17 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“One of the best books that i've ever read. Don't even pick it up if your looking for something light. This is thick with plot and character... Great!!!”
scott h wrote this review Thursday, May 15 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“On one hand, I frequently couldn't believe this book--could the kid say he wasn't going to trust anyone ever again and then proceed to do just that, yet again? It was Charles Dickens but not so good. Still, I read all 700+ pages so that must mean something. I gave up following the grandmother's-brother's-son's-wife stuff. But I couldn't help liking the kid and enjoying the writing. ”
SuzanneK wrote this review Thursday, May 15 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is a wonderful, dense Dickensian wallow of a novel. I've never been able to re-read it, though--I don't know why.”
Valerie Sp wrote this review Sunday, December 30 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
