I found this a fascinating sweep through some 2000 years of English (and most particularly London's) history.
Some reviewers have complained about Rutherfurd's rather static interpretation of Darwinism - i.e. very little genetic mutation/variation across a 2000 year history of the major 'families' in the book - however, its a very useful device to help weave the history of London together, using the framing device of a set of characters and their descendants to take us on the journey, and, because there are some quite big jumps in generations its helpful to be able to say 'oh, a red haired person - one of the Barnikels - aha! the white streak again - hello the Duckets and Doggetts etc. Some of his plotting devices may be a little ... Read More:
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Its beginning to look like the superbly structured Flash for Freedom!, this book's immediate predecessor, was the high point of the series. Flashman gets three-and-a-half stars just for being Flashman, of course, but this tale starts at a leisurely pace before bursting into action at Balaclava, then tailing off again. Those who have read the series so far will be familiar with our anti-hero's historic tourism, romping through bit-parts in the major events of the nineteenth century. This time it is the Charge of the Light Brigade. It has to be said GMF writes battle and action scenes brilliantly, though in this case a detailed knowledge of the Crimean campaign, characters, and controversies (or at least access to Wikipedia) would be helpful. The ... Read More:
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The story of Arthur and his knights has been told and re-told countless times but this is not only one of the very best versions, it also transcends the Arthurian legend to become an incredibly insightful and moving account of the growth of a boy into a man, and the decline of that man into a disillusioned person. It ranges across all human emotions, from happiness and joy to despondency and depression. Particularly at the end there are some of the most moving scenes I've ever read, when Arthur realizes that all he has fought for his entire life is in ruins, and Merlin tries to persuade him that maybe not all is lost. Over 800 pages of sheer beauty, what's keeping you?
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This is the 5th Flashman novel (chronologically) and is by far the best - so far. Fraser has nailed this one. Fast action, historical interest and the usual hillarious antics of Flashman make it an excellent read. Couldn't put this one down. Frequently tittered away to myself on my train journey to work. Other passengers probably thought I was mad! Thoroughly recommended.
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This is another good book in this series, and has some very good writing of disturbing religious views of the time. As with other books, CJ Sansom brings Tudor England to life with excellent detail and feel for the period. That said, I hope that is the end of all the murder and misadventure for Matthew Shardlake, such a lovely man deserves some well earned peace and quiet!!
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Got to say, this is one of the best Sharpe novels. Fast paced, characters you love to hate and Sharpe on a mission. For Sharpe, this books describes one of the most defining moments in his army career, probably his most important moment since saving Wellington. This one caused many a late night, just one more chapter before bed.......... :-)
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Having read a great deal about the Baroque cycle before buying i decided to order all 3 books in the series.
In my review of Quicksilver i stated that i found it extremely heavy going and that the lengthy descriptions made it difficult to plough through. Its fair to say that, had i not previously purchased The Confusion, i certainlky wouldn't have ordered it on the back of Quicksilver. As it states above, thank goodness for bulk buying as this book is a total cut above.
In The Confusion, Stephenson has carried on the aspects of his previous novel that worked and cut out the aspects that i struggled with.
This novel still has the glorious detail, bringing together a cast of characters that are as varied as their situations. We visit the heart ... Read More:
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I read this book on holiday, so was able to relax and fully appreciate Tremains subtle yet dramatic writing. Having never read her books before, I am now a convert and so glad I picked up this book which held me from paged first to last with ease. A beautifully written and compelling story.
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Comparisons with the Hornblower series are inevitable. I read them all twice and thoroughly enjoyed them. The Aubrey-Maturin series goes far deeper in character development, is less swash-buckling and earthier. I've read the first 3 Aubrey-Maturin books (twice). They can be a bit turgid in places but persevere - it's worth it. There is a lot of (for me) baffling naval, latin and 19th century medical/science terminology. Before I read the next books in the series I'm going to get one of the phraseology books recommended in some of the other reviews. Which probably means I will re-read the first three books - ho hum.
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A good read, but agree with some of the other reviews, certainly not a Sharpe classic. Without giving away the ending, found it a little out of character and in general the book wasn't as fast paced as the others. However still worth a read
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