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testaroscia's review against another edition
5.0
I read this when it came out in the late 90s and, mostly forgotten the plot, I remember I loved it then. I can confirm it is in the top % of historical fiction books I have read. Broad in scope, non-condescending, always interesting and with a sufficient sting in the tail to make me want to go back and re-start it again to re-visit the three other POVs that preceded Mr Wood's portion.
debmo79's review against another edition
5.0
It takes the concept of Rashomon (4 narrators recounting different versions of the same story) but sets the tale in 17th century England. Utterly compelling, I was gripped from start to finish. One of those books you're still thinking about days after finishing it.
kristian26's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
mgeake's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
mitchk's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A classic- that I’m glad I’ve read. The book is organised into 4 sections - each on narrated by one of the characters. We get each characters viewport of a situation and need to untangle the lies, misdirection, omissions and falsehoods from each account to get closer to the truth. Full of Reformation politics and players - which makes it huge on atmosphere is a little heavy on introspection!
klebere's review against another edition
5.0
If I was capable, I would write a book like this. Best thing I’ve read in ages; it’s more than a murder mystery, and if you’re at all interested in Restoration England, you’ll love the interweaving of history and fiction.
jutheoak's review against another edition
5.0
Difficult to read at first and at times lengthy in terms of descriptions. But once I got into it I could not stop! What a richness of characters and complicated story, I want to read all over again.
jw101's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5