Reviews

The Quality of Mercy by Barry Unsworth

sjgrodsky's review against another edition

4.0

Some wonderfully drawn characters and a multiple-threaded plot that finally comes together in the last third of the book. But at some point in that final third -- perhaps after the charming Sullivan makes his final exit -- the author loses his vision. The denouement has the formulaic feel of a conclusion written to satisfy a contractual obligation.

eberlats's review against another edition

challenging dark informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

sloatsj's review against another edition

3.0

Unsworth is a good storyteller, and his prose is excellent. I did feel, however, that some of the characters is this book were rather cardboard. I also think that any book that ends with the phrase "dream of freedom" has failed itself.

quercus707's review against another edition

4.0

This book extended the themes of freedom and humanity examined in Sacred Hunger, but added a new thread: the possibility of change, of redemption. It was beautifully done.

ipb1's review

5.0

Cashing in on the success of the wonderful [b:Sacred Hunger|1727618|Sacred Hunger|Barry Unsworth|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1349104272l/1727618._SY75_.jpg|2781088] this is Unsworth's 'sequel' which popped out a mere twenty years later - that's a Kate Bush/Scott Walker level of pandering to public demand.

It was absolutely worth the wait. An equally complex and challenging novel which is no rehash, but uses the events of [b:Sacred Hunger|1727618|Sacred Hunger|Barry Unsworth|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1349104272l/1727618._SY75_.jpg|2781088] to jump off into new territory. Superb.

jfwickes's review against another edition

informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

wboesch's review against another edition

4.0

Not quite the masterpiece of its predecessor "Sacred Hunger," but transporting and insightful. The thread about coal mining and family, and the one about the connection between an abolitionist's sister and a capitalist, are especially good.

magdon's review against another edition

4.0

Wow. Writing that never fails to impress and excellent characters. Beautiful.

kniphofia7's review

4.0

Excellent. I enjoyed this just as much as Sacred Hunger. Beautifully written and the audiobook version is wonderfully narrated by David Rintoul.

marvink's review against another edition

5.0

An excellent read. Another 100 pages to tidy things up would have been appreciated. In any case, Unsworth's descriptions of politics, justice, and capitalistic exploitation, and the characters he created to show opposing views in mid 18th century England makes for a captivating read.