A review by lyndsayreads
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton

adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Listen, I know asking you to commit to an over 800 page book just to get all the answers is a big ask. But trust me when I tell you that this is one of the most satisfying reading experiences I've ever had. Essentially, this book is one big mystery and all of the characters are sort of using their combined knowledge to solve the mystery. But it's also an incredible character study on morals, rights and wrongs, and trusting yourself to know what's best and do the right thing. This book is like a puzzle and each chapter gives you a few more pieces. You won't be able to solve the puzzle until literally the very last chapter. But it's so engrossing and I really never wanted to put this down.

I haven't quite settled on a rating for this. I'm thinking either 4 or 4.5 but I'm going to sit with it for a little bit and then I'll come back and rate it. But in the meantime, if you don't mind a bit of a challenge and you are willing to be patient to get the end result, I really would recommend this book.
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