A review by vkce23
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton

adventurous challenging mysterious tense slow-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

4.5

A complex, amazingly structured, thought out mystery book. With wonderful characters, dazzling storylines and a tense plot. Yes it’s slow to start, yes it’s confusing to follow (it benefits from being read or listened to in long stretches so you can follow it). Do you need to know about astrology? No. If you do, it will enhance your admiration for Eleanor Catton and how she integrates it into the story and uses it to structure things. But you can read it regardless. The first section is long, but by the end it’s racing through. I did find the ending somewhat confusing - I think I just need to sit with it for a while to really puzzle through it and how it all connects. But I loved it - a worthy booker winner.