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daja57's review against another edition
4.0
A well-written, pleasurable yarn.
The plot is almost impossible to describe without a spoiler alert. The first words are "Late on the afternoon of Tuesday the ninth of April in the Year of Our Risen Lord 1468" which makes one assume that it is a historical novel set in the mediaeval period. Towards the end of chapter three I learned, with a wholly unexpected shock, that this was the 'second sleep', the second mediaeval period following the apocalypse (later dated to about 2025 when all the computer driven infrastructure failed and society across the world collapsed, with mass starvation). This is therefore a post-apocalyptic novel and, predictably, the church is on top having forbidden 'scientism' and antiquarianism as heresies. Christopher Fairfax, a young priest, rides to Adcot to conduct the funeral of the parish priest. But while there he discovers that the late incumbent had a taste for antiquarianism and was, perhaps, on the verge of a (forbidden) archaeological discovery when he was, perhaps, murdered. Throw in a seductive widow in a decaying stately home and a thrusting, ruthless mill-owner always alert to the possibility of profit and wooing said widow, and two antiquarians and we have the makings for a slightly strange dystopian fiction.
The plot is almost impossible to describe without a spoiler alert. The first words are "Late on the afternoon of Tuesday the ninth of April in the Year of Our Risen Lord 1468" which makes one assume that it is a historical novel set in the mediaeval period. Towards the end of chapter three I learned, with a wholly unexpected shock, that this was the 'second sleep', the second mediaeval period following the apocalypse (later dated to about 2025 when all the computer driven infrastructure failed and society across the world collapsed, with mass starvation). This is therefore a post-apocalyptic novel and, predictably, the church is on top having forbidden 'scientism' and antiquarianism as heresies. Christopher Fairfax, a young priest, rides to Adcot to conduct the funeral of the parish priest. But while there he discovers that the late incumbent had a taste for antiquarianism and was, perhaps, on the verge of a (forbidden) archaeological discovery when he was, perhaps, murdered. Throw in a seductive widow in a decaying stately home and a thrusting, ruthless mill-owner always alert to the possibility of profit and wooing said widow, and two antiquarians and we have the makings for a slightly strange dystopian fiction.
johnthebiker300's review against another edition
Excellent. Did not know the plot beforehand.
When a single word 'p*****' was mentioned I was completely bemused.
Ending was a bit light
When a single word 'p*****' was mentioned I was completely bemused.
Ending was a bit light
karrama's review against another edition
4.0
A great story! This refreshing sci-fi has a distinct voice and male point of view, but it throws a twist that I didn't see coming.
angus_mckeogh's review against another edition
3.0
Unlike any of the other Harris books I’ve read in the past. Certainly a sort of historical fiction but chunks are set in the future. Says a lot about god and the apocalypse. Has more in common with mainstream fiction rather than hardcore historical fiction. Enjoyed it.
8797999's review against another edition
4.0
I was hesitant to buy and read this, lots of unfavourable reviews but I am very glad that i did. A superbly enjoyable read, I would have liked a little more from it, especially with the ending and maybe some answers for what happened to the ancients but I am satisfied with what I got.
My third Robert Harris novel and another I enjoyed. If I had the two above points I would not hesitate to rate this a 5.
Certainly a book I read happily read several times and enjoy. A very interesting plot and some good characters. Just needed a little more depth is all.
My third Robert Harris novel and another I enjoyed. If I had the two above points I would not hesitate to rate this a 5.
Certainly a book I read happily read several times and enjoy. A very interesting plot and some good characters. Just needed a little more depth is all.
fargiloses's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A man rediscovers science, has a religious identity crisis and doesn't die at the end. It was interesting.
bestbunchbooks's review against another edition
I could not figure this book out. I think I am not in the right headspace to understand it.
nebulous_tide's review against another edition
5.0
Harris manages to draw the reader in to this world that is believable, interesting and where the characters are motivated, rational, and even likeable, despite their differences. As the story develops, the reader begins to understand the premise further. It’s funny to think this was released just before the COVID-19 pandemic. Don’t overlook this one. I will be re-reading at some point.