A review by bookish_things_london
The Book of Evidence by John Banville

dark emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

This is the first of Banville’s books I’ve read, and I absolutely adored it. It’s a literary fiction following the events leading up to the murder, but told in first person by Freddie as he gives his testimony. It’s tricky to get first person right, especially a 200 page monologue, but Banville does it exceptionally well. Freddie is an unreliable narrator, very flawed, but charismatic and charming. He explores his motivations and behaviour throughout, in questions and reflections. The very last sentence is perfection.