A review by bookmaddie
Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Catton remains an exceedingly clever and talented writer—Birnam Wood definitely lives up to the hype (both online and in my own heart, since I loved The Luminaries). One of the things I love about Catton's writing is how deeply it explores the interiority of her character's minds. You feel at once that you know their deepest thoughts, and yet there is always something unknowable about each character, creating a continuously new reading experience as the story winds on.

Of course, I would be remiss not to mention the last third of the book. Dang! It flies by and you'll be hooked the moment the twist happens, trying to figure out what will happen next, or just happily along for the ride (I was the latter). Even as the intensity ratchets up, Catton's writing remains unflinching and it's a delight to see how the pieces all rush together. The ending is exceedingly dark and ambiguous—Catton shines a light on all parties, making it impossible to place blame on just one individual or group.  

Full of fascinating, annoying and despicable characters, this story wonders at our modern life and the ethical, political battles argued over online and in groups of friends. Catton is a masterful satirist and puppeteer, and biting observer of our present day. I cannot wait for whatever she dreams up next, and in the meantime, I'll go back and read her debut novel. Thanks to FSG for my advanced digital copy!
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