The Somnambulist

by Jonathan Barnes

book data

703 ratings, 3.22 average rating, 238 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		10%
4		30%
3		36%
2		17%
1		5%

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published

February 1st 2008 (first published 2007) by William Morrow

binding

Hardcover, 353 pages

characters

Edward Moon

setting

The United Kingdom

isbn

0061375381 (isbn13: 9780061375385)

description

"Be warned. This book has no literary merit whatsoever. Needless to say, I doubt you'll believe a word of it."

Once the toast of ...more

[close] "Be warned. This book has no literary merit whatsoever. Needless to say, I doubt you'll believe a word of it."

Once the toast of good society in Victoria's England, the extraordinary conjurer Edward Moon no longer commands the respect or inspires the awe that he did in earlier times. Despite having previously unraveled more than sixty perplexing criminal puzzles (to the delight of a grateful London constabulary), he is considered something of an embarrassment these days. Still, each night without fail, he returns to the stage of his theatre to amaze his devoted, albeit dwindling audience with the same old astonishments; aided by his partner, the silent, hairless, hulking, surprisingly placid giant who, when stabbed, does not bleed . . . and who goes by but one appellation:

The Somnambulist

On a night of roiling mists and long shadows, in a corner of the city where only the most foolhardy will deign to tread, a rather disreputable actor meets his end in a most bizarre and terrible fashion. Baffled, the police turn once again in the direction of Edward Moon; who will always welcome such assignments as an escape from ennui. And, in fact, he leads the officers to a murderer rather quickly. Perhaps too quickly. For these are strange, strange times in England, with the strangest of sorts prowling London's dank underbelly: sinister circus performers, freakishly deformed prostitutes, sadistic grown killers in schoolboy attire, a human fly, a man who lives backwards. And nothing is precisely as it seems.

Which should be no surprise to Moon, whose life and livelihood consists entirely of the illusionary, the unexpected, the seemingly impossible. Yet what is to follow will shatter his increasingly tenuous grasp on reality; as death follows death follows death in the dastardly pursuit of poetry, freedom, utopia . . . and Love, Love, Love, and Love.

Remember the name Jonathan Barnes, for, with The Somnambulist, he has burst upon the literary scene with a breathtaking and brilliant, frightening and hilarious, dark invention that recalls Neil Gaiman, Susanna Clarke, and Clive Barker at their grimly fantastical best . . . with more than a pinch of Carl Hiaasen-esque outrageousness stirred into the demonically delicious brew.

Read on . . . and be astonished! [close]

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03/26/08

Jessica rated it:

Read in March, 2008

recommends it for: anyone who thinks they can bear it

If a bunch of steam punk kids got trashed on alphabet soup and shooters one ill-advised night, this is the book their subsequent vomit would spell out in noodles the next morning. That being said, I didn't particularly hate it and I don't regret reading it, but I'm having a hard time recommending it.

The dust jacket is encrusted with compelling recommendations and comparisons to other favorite writers, but it was much more like being beaten about the head with books by Neil Gaiman, S...more

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2 comments

05/06/08

Jason Pettus rated it:

Read in May, 2008

(Reprinted from the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography [cclapcenter.com]. I am the original author of this essay, as well as the owner of CCLaP; it is not being reprinted here illegally.)

Regular readers know that I am a big fan of the unique subgenre known as "steampunk," but might not know what exactly steampunk is; and similarly, regular readers also know that one of the issues often tackled here at CCLaP is the difference between so-called "genre" pr...more

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10/01/07

Peggy rated it:

(review of isbn 0575079428)

Read in November, 2007

I’ve been a reader all my life. I majored in English in college and grad school, and I’ve worked in bookstores since 1992, most of that as a buyer. I’m surrounded by books at home and work and I see new ones every day. It’s sometimes difficult to quantify why certain books speak to us; why we pick up this book, but not that one.

Other times, it’s not difficult at all:

Be warned. This book has no literary merit whatsoever. It is a lurid piece of nonsense, convolute...more I’ve been a reader all my life. I majored in English in college and grad school, and I’ve worked in bookstores since 1992, most of that as a buyer. I’m surrounded by books at home and work and I see new ones every day. It’s sometimes difficult to quantify why certain books speak to us; why we pick up this book, but not that one.

Other times, it’s not difficult at all:

Be warned. This book has no literary merit whatsoever. It is a lurid piece of nonsense, convoluted, implausible, peopled by unconvincing characters, written in drearily pedestrian prose, frequently ridiculous and willfully bizarre. Needless to say, I doubt you’ll believe a word of it.

I don’t know about you, but I’m in love.

With an opening like that, how can I not climb on board for the ride? Sure, I understand that this kind of narrator turns some people off (well, I know that; I don’t really understand it). But for me, it’s the sign of an author who wants to play--who wants me as the reader to take a more active role in the story, and I love that. It’s both clever and witty (and neatly kneecaps disgruntled reviewers: I told you it was implausible people, so no complaints!) and nicely sets the tone for the tale to come.

The story itself is everything the narrator promises (with the exception of pedestrian prose—I really liked the writing). You’ve got Edward Moon, stage magician and detective, and his silent partner in both endeavors, the Somnambulist, a giant of a man who never speaks and holds many secrets. You’ve got warm-hearted housekeepers, sybaritic layabouts, spiritualists, gung-ho police inspectors, and freakshow prostitutes. You’ve got grizzly murders, mysterious disappearances, secret societies, shadowy government organizations, the poetry of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and the shadow of past mistakes.

It’s a generous, sprawling, maddeningly convoluted story. I just finished it, and I’m still not sure exactly what happened. I can’t wait to read it again and find out, though.(less)

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04/23/08

Tara rated it:

bookshelves: adult-fiction, fromthelibrary, wishlist

Read in April, 2008

recommends it for: mystery and fantasy lovers

I dare you to read the first two pages and not want to finish the rest of the book.

Part Victorian murder mystery, part fantastical alternate history with a liberal dash of lexigraphical acrobatics The Somnambulist combines a labyrinthine plot with haunting characters and an unreliable narrator which coalesces into an unexpected crescendo no one could anticipate.

The Somnambulist is a bald, mute giant of man who when pierced with swords does not bleed. His almost constant c...more

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10/09/07

Rick rated it:

Read in January, 2008

Jonathan Barnes' brilliant debut novel, The Somnambulist, chronicles the late Victorian-era adventures of a legendary magician-cum-detective Edward Moon and his mute, hulking, hairless sidekick, known only as the Somnambulist. The two investigate a series of bizarre murders, meet a cadre of eccentrics, and involve themselves in several strange incidents that culminate in a plot to destroy and remake London.

The unreliable, unnamed narrator, who frequently raves like a madman, issues a...more Jonathan Barnes' brilliant debut novel, The Somnambulist, chronicles the late Victorian-era adventures of a legendary magician-cum-detective Edward Moon and his mute, hulking, hairless sidekick, known only as the Somnambulist. The two investigate a series of bizarre murders, meet a cadre of eccentrics, and involve themselves in several strange incidents that culminate in a plot to destroy and remake London.

The unreliable, unnamed narrator, who frequently raves like a madman, issues a warning in the very first chapter: "This book has no literary merit whatsoever. It is a lurid piece of nonsense, convoluted, implausible, peopled by unconvincing characters, written in drearily pedestrian prose, frequently ridiculous and wilfully bizarre. Needless to say, I doubt you'll believe a word of it." The preamble is true but for the "pedestrian prose." Barnes crafts one of the finest first novels of the young century, creating an exciting, memorable book peopled with cultists, prostitutes, circus freaks, the undead, albinos, poets, time travelers, assassins, Lovecraftian creatures, and almost every Victorian-type nefarious nasty conceived. The title figure offers an enigmatic yet sympathetic figure who communicates through (poorly spelled) words scribbled on a small chalkboard, does not bleed or feel pain, and displays an intense, inexplicable loyalty to Moon. Truly surprising plot twists and red herrings abound. Through character actions, scene descriptions, and the mention of a scant few historical facts, Barnes successfully conjures the period without divulging dates. Until the final act when the narrator cleverly reveals himself, the author presents one of the finest occult thrillers ever. After veering dangerously close to the absurd, the story ultimately concludes with a lyrically obtuse ending that creates confusion rather than clarity.

Even with that flaw, the engaging ride of The Somnambulist offers enough thrills to distract from the ending. Or perhaps, just as Jonathan Barnes' narrator deceives in the narrative, this reviewer misdirects as well? Read The Somnambulist and decide for yourself.

This review originally appeared in The Austin Chronicle, February 1, 2008.(less)

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5 comments

02/12/08

Nancy rated it:

bookshelves: pulp-fiction, sci-fi-fantasy

Read in February, 2008

recommended to Nancy by: librarything early reviewers
recommends it for: people who enjoy quirky pulp fiction

The last book I read even close along these lines was Gordon Dahlquist's "The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters," and as I began The Somnambulist, I immediately thought of Dahlquist's book and then my mind sort of wandered to The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen comics. Let me state right now that I am a MAJOR fan of pulp and The Somnambulist fed my craving well. I will also state that this book is not for everyone. At the outset the reader is warned that the narrator (whose identity re...more The last book I read even close along these lines was Gordon Dahlquist's "The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters," and as I began The Somnambulist, I immediately thought of Dahlquist's book and then my mind sort of wandered to The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen comics. Let me state right now that I am a MAJOR fan of pulp and The Somnambulist fed my craving well. I will also state that this book is not for everyone. At the outset the reader is warned that the narrator (whose identity remains unknown until nearly the end of the story) is unreliable, and that the "book has no literary value whatsoever. It is a lurid piece of nonsense, convoluted, implausible, peopled by unconvincing characters, written in drearily pedestrian prose, frequently ridiculous and willfully bizarre." If those two facts do not scare you off, then you're in for an incredibly wild ride.
Edward Moon is a stage magician and when he's not busy performing magic with trained apes he often moonlights as a detective who has helped Scotland Yard in more than one instance. His partner is known as "the Somnambulist," and stands about eight feet tall, can be pierced through with swords and shed no blood, and does not speak but makes himself heard through the medium of a chalkboard. He cannot spell, his grammar is quite bad, and the significance of why this book is named for him doesn't reveal itself until the end (which I will not divulge here). Anyway, Scotland Yard's Inspector Merryweather now turns to the pair because of a series of bizarre and inexplicable deaths. This sets the pair onto a path that seems to have been somewhat predestined, involving a rather strange plot that has its origins under the city of London. Moon is warned away several times by some rather odd characters, none the least of which is a man who claims to be able to travel through time, a psychic, and a human fly. Adding to Moon's problems, a rather strange albino who works for some government bureau called "The Directorate" enlists him as well when these mysterious deaths lead to the uncovering of the plot. Need I continue?
The writing is fantastic (if you enjoy this sort of thing), and the characters are quite well drawn. I would definitely recommend it to fans of pulp fiction (this is among the pulpiest!) and to those who enjoy a wee bit of steampunk in their reading. As noted earlier, this isn't for everyone, but if you're inclined toward this sort of craziness, you're going to love it. (less)

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09/20/08

Juushika rated it:

bookshelves: borrowed

Read in May, 2008

In Victorian London, aging magician and detective Edward Moon, accompanied by his assistant, a giant known only as the Somnambulist, are called in to investigate the most bizarre of murders. As Moon's investigation continues, he uncovers a plot against the state—a plot which, after long preparation and much waiting, is now only days from being put into action. The Somnambulist is set in a world not quite like our own, colored by steampunk and fantasy and populated by a cast of bizarre, slightly ...more In Victorian London, aging magician and detective Edward Moon, accompanied by his assistant, a giant known only as the Somnambulist, are called in to investigate the most bizarre of murders. As Moon's investigation continues, he uncovers a plot against the state—a plot which, after long preparation and much waiting, is now only days from being put into action. The Somnambulist is set in a world not quite like our own, colored by steampunk and fantasy and populated by a cast of bizarre, slightly inhuman characters. Although it has a decisive conclusion, the plot often feels as confused as the setting. Barnes waits too long before he decides what he wants The Somnambulist to be, and with its busy and unfocused confusion and abrupt and strange conclusion, the novel fails its potential and remains entirely mediocre. Not recommended.

<lj-cut text="Long review.">The premise of The Somnambulist is particularly intriguing, largely because of its mystery. The little differences that separate the setting from our world, the inhuman traits and perceptions of some characters, the shrouded unknown of the plot: all of these aspects are perceived through a mist, intriguing the reader and urging him to delve into it that he may discover more. The book's failing is that for too long this mist is impenetrable, and when it finally parts what it reveals is downright bizarre. As Moon begins to suspect an underlying sinister plot against the state, the narrator compares his perception to a microscopic view of one strand of a spiderweb: he can see the details of his the fragment he sees, but cannot perceive the shape of the whole. So it is for the reader for the majority of the book, and this narrow view makes the events of the plot seem random and give the reader nothing identify and care about. To avoid spoiling the plot, I obviously can't talk about the final reveal, but without a shroud of mystery, the plot is just plain strange: a combination of random factors, some literary, some steampunk, some fantasy, some religious, the ending is bizarre to an extreme. It's not the sort of stangeness that broadens the reader's mind, but rather the sort that makes the reader wonder where Barnes got these ideas and why he decided to combine them in one story. The plot does have a decisive, even action-packed conclusion, but it is so strange that it's hard to appreciate.

On the whole, due to decent writing and the ongoing mystery, the book is readable. Barnes's prose is likewise quite strange, filled with dry humor and delivered by a narrator that often speaks directly to the reader (and by breaking the fourth wall, destroys any attempt to suspend disbelief). However, the omniscient narrator drops hints about the slowly developing mystery, keeping the reader looking ahead to the next potential development. But even if the book is readable, it is not good. Aside from the flawed mystery and the bizarre plot are a dozen other weaknesses: The narrator's identity is a contrived and unconvincing plot twist. By dancing on the edges of steampunk and fantasy without embracing either, the steampunk influences appear amateur and the fantastic elements are unbelievable. The most promising characters disappear, the main characters are unlikable, and the titular character remains an unexplored sideplot. And so forth—the book is littered with faults.

When I put down this book I was wondering why I ever picked it up in the first place. The premise is certainly intriguing, but it is the best that the book has to offer. Barnes's hovers on the edge of an interesting book, setting up the atmosphere and characters to support it, but hovers for too long and then only at the last moment delves into the strangest of novels. Don't let the concept of this book or its constant hints towards greatness pull you in, because the result is disappointing. The book is readable, but by the end it becomes a frustrating practice in mediocrity and unfulfilled potential. I would love to see a better novel built upon this same premise, but I do not recommend The Somnambulist.(less)

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03/15/08

Kit rated it:

Read in March, 2008

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

this actually came at recommendation from one of the blogs i frequent for book reviews, and so also motivated by the library due date, i had to finish this one before all others. the writing was actually decent throughout, and i found i wasn't very confused, for the most part, about the narrator and point of view. something that does confuse me is the character thomas cribb--i could never understand exactly why he does what he does, especially in the beginning of the story, after what happens at...more this actually came at recommendation from one of the blogs i frequent for book reviews, and so also motivated by the library due date, i had to finish this one before all others. the writing was actually decent throughout, and i found i wasn't very confused, for the most part, about the narrator and point of view. something that does confuse me is the character thomas cribb--i could never understand exactly why he does what he does, especially in the beginning of the story, after what happens at the end. that's more confusing than i care to analyze completely, and if the book was a bit more enjoyable, maybe i would flip back and reread, but as it is, this book isn't worth rereading for me. there were scenes near the end that repulsed me, but that i can credit to realistic writing. the title also struck me as potent with meaning, both in the literal and figurative sense, so some applause to that. but i have to admit what really drew me was the cover. i am a shallow girl at heart and i just can NOT refuse a pretty cover. so bravo to the marketing team too.

i only wish that the conflict was more completely resolved. what's that with the boys in school uniforms? any clue to their identities? maybe they're the collective evil of the city? the villain's talk of his evil plans make no cohesive sense. you have the sense to plot out something that big based on a concept that weak? and edward moon, this supposed smartass of his generation, doesn't understand anything, even when the clues were in his face. most of what he gets credited for are done for him by other people. another case in point--i still have no idea what "powers" edward moon has--he supposedly read someone's mind from the audience. why is he such a blumbering idiot throughout the course of the events here then? it seems that the author is so preoccupied in building up the mystery of the villain's sinister plans that when the villain and the protagonist actually clash on the subject, the best thing the villain does is show him a corpse and a lot of liquid. and that this is what supposedly converted a lot of followers for him. no explanation as to how, no clues as to the significance of this.. it just is. and when the entire plot is pivotal on this single event, i'm left wondering how in the world any of these characters find any of these things plausible. and if maybe they live in a world with a completely different set of the laws of physics.

i think for a good book, this is a pass. for decent entertainment when you're THAT bored and at risk of becoming bald from your own ministrations, and this just happens to be lying around with an overdue library deadline, worth checking out.

P.S. - there's certainly a reference to that video released by the iraqis a couple of years ago, the one of them sawing off the soldier's head as a form of execution? makes me wonder if this is any significance as to what the author's political allegience is, if he feels compelled to include that little tidbit in his book. or maybe that specific event just stuck in his head, who knows. i had to wonder.(less)

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12/06/07

Jenne rated it:

(review of isbn 0575079428)

bookshelves: arc

Read in December, 2007

So, imagine that a magician/private detective, a time-traveler, a medium, a medium-debunker, a Scotland Yard inspector, a housekeeper, a bearded-lady of the evening, a shadowy government organization, a company called Love, a sinister "Oriental", a sideshow freak, a corpulent prisoner, a corrupt gaoler, two schoolboy hit-men, two vengeful mothers, the animated corpse of a famous poet, and a mysterious mute giant with a milk-drinking habit all run into each other in post-Victorian Londo...more

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02/11/09

Rachel rated it:

bookshelves: crap

Read in August, 2008

A couple of rip-off Croup and Vandemar wannabes and the mention (i refuse to say allusion, because that would imply that it somehow honors or preserves the integrity of the original) of Samuel Taylor Coolridge doth not a similarity to Neil Gaiman make. The preposterous suggestion that this book was "a fantastic journey in the spirit of Neverwhere" duped me into buying this block of bound-together toilet tissue. I finished it out of a combination of devastating idleness (I was job-searc...more A couple of rip-off Croup and Vandemar wannabes and the mention (i refuse to say allusion, because that would imply that it somehow honors or preserves the integrity of the original) of Samuel Taylor Coolridge doth not a similarity to Neil Gaiman make. The preposterous suggestion that this book was "a fantastic journey in the spirit of Neverwhere" duped me into buying this block of bound-together toilet tissue. I finished it out of a combination of devastating idleness (I was job-searching at the time) and total disbelief. How could anyone, even a publicist, sleep at night after comparing Barnes and Gaiman? Egads, that's like comparing Janis Joplin's Take Another Little Piece of My Heart with Faith Hill's cover. No, worse; at least Hill and Joplin are both singing. I've said some nasty things about certain books lately. The Time Traveller's Wife, Heavy Liquid, You Suck, and even The Meaning of Night, I apologize to all of you. Remembering the dreadful experience of reading this book, I realize that I should have been grateful for your mere badness.

The Somnambulist was, as the title implies, dull, and the Coolridge cameo supports my hope that the author was just writing through a crippling drug haze. It was also dazzlingly incoherent, without point, theme, motivation, or explanation. Not only is there no reason for any of the book's many silly twists and turns, there's no excuse for them. If the London Barnes sketches had been in any way convincing, if his characters were at all fleshed out, if his narrative devices were not missing a few parts, the plot of this book would still be extraordinarily stupid. Sarah Palin could give the author lessons in sentence construction. The book didn't rightfully even have a protagonist, although, somewhat pitifully, it tried to-- every single nominee from the job was flat and unsympathetic. Perhaps that's why it took me so long to review this excreable hack-job; my attention slid right off it like water from a duck's back. I didn't even think about it long enough to hate it until I bought Neil Gaiman's latest book, and recalled the taking of his name in vain.(less)

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03/27/09

Stefan rated it:

(review of isbn 006137539X)

bookshelves: fantasy

Read in February, 2009

I finished this novel a couple of days ago and haven't written anything about it so far because, honestly, I can't think of anything relevant that hasn't been written before in other reviews. It's a very good novel, somewhere between historical fantasy and horror, with a dark, witty sense of humor and an interesting narrative style. It's set in Victorian London, but the city in the book falls somewhere between China Mieville's New Crobuzon and Neal Gaiman's "Neverwhere". (Although, ...more

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01/22/09

blackrose rated it:

bookshelves: dark-fantasy, historical-fiction, mystery

Read in January, 2009

Overall my impression of this book was 'meh' (more 2 1/2 stars than 3). It wasn't great... it wasn't horrible. It was just sort of there...

I had high hopes for this story, being a fan of stories set in Victoriana, of Poe's and Doyle's mysteries, and of the strange and outre - but I just couldn't find myself caring all that much about this story.

For one thing I don't recall ever wondering, when I read those other mystery stories, how the detective of the story got the r...more Overall my impression of this book was 'meh' (more 2 1/2 stars than 3). It wasn't great... it wasn't horrible. It was just sort of there...

I had high hopes for this story, being a fan of stories set in Victoriana, of Poe's and Doyle's mysteries, and of the strange and outre - but I just couldn't find myself caring all that much about this story.

For one thing I don't recall ever wondering, when I read those other mystery stories, how the detective of the story got the reputation for being so great. Edward Moon seemed rather useless, unable to deduct anything. He was constantly being given clues and lead by the nose in one direction of the other by various other characters - such as Cribb and The Fiend. He was constantly, and rather petulantly, demanding answers since he found none himself, and seemed rather unable to do anything about anything. I imagine, on some level, this was the point - since he was past his prime and all that. But, mostly, I just found it annoying.

I rather enjoyed the voice of the narrator until we found out who it was. It wasn't because of who it was, but rather because he become so smug and annoying once it was announced...

All of this was kind of mild, actually. It was annoying in a sort of passive way, but not enough to make me hate the book. The only thing that really stood out as annoying was the way the supernatural elements felt sort of forced and tacked on. As a point of reference, I quite like supernatural elements in stories and read, almost exclusively, fantasy and other speculative fictions... but it just didn't come naturally in this story, and that's why it stuck out so badly for me.

Oddly enough I can't think of anything really good to say about the book, but I didn't hate it. I suppose part of the reason is because it's easier for me to critique than to praise... but also because nothing of note really stood out.

Oh - I did like the Prefects. They were fun. :> Sad about their price, but also rather predictable, silly man. But ah well...

One final note, which has less to do with the story itself and more to do with genre. I, personally, feel this book is more 'Gaslight Romance' which "focuses nostalgically on icons from the late years of that century and the early years of the 20th century—on Dracula, Jekyll and Hyde, Jack the Ripper, Sherlock Holmes and even Tarzan—and can normally be understood as combining supernatural fiction and recursive fantasy, though some gaslight romances can be read as fantasies of history" and less Steampunk. It doesn't really have any focus on the machines or science which, to me, is the essential requirement of Steampunk. It's a minor quibble and, as I said, not really relevant to the story itself - but may be important if you go in expecting something quite more Steampunkish than this is, and ending up disappointed... (less)

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11/14/08

John Buckler rated it:

Read in November, 2008

recommends it for: Nobody

I wanted to like this book so much, but I just couldn't do it. It had an interesting story about the city of London, and the world in general during the the late 1800's, yet it wasn't written very well. I tried so hard to enjoy it, but then I realized that I was pretty much just trying to finish it, as I was curious to how it ended. I liken it to watching a terrible movie at 3 in the morning. You pretty much now how it's going to end, and you know you should just turn it off and go to sleep,...more

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05/12/08

Mark rated it:

Read in April, 2008

Edward Moon, this book’s main protagonist, is a has-been stage magician and, until a bad bit of luck several years earlier that sullied his reputation, a renowned amateur detective whose skills and methods have an uncanny resemblance to Sherlock Holmes. The story is even set in Victorian England. The Somnambulist, for whom this book is named, actually has little to do with its overall plot. He is Moon’s assistant and friend, and an unusual fellow to say the least. Hairless, huge, strong,...more

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05/05/08

Donna rated it:

Read in April, 2009

I have to admit I kept reading this just out of curiosity of how it would all end. I mean, any book that has a bearded lady prostitute, a giant who can have swords driven right thru him without bleeding or even be hurt, is one that rouses my curiosity. The characters are definitely unlike any I had read about before, which also kept me going. I was disappointed in the main character, though. Edward Moon is supposedly a legend in his own time, renowned for solving murders. I know his prime w...more

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04/15/08

John rated it:

(review of isbn 0575079428)

bookshelves: books-read-in-2008

Read in April, 2008

The book has its roots in steam punk or gothic horror with a dark brooding picture of late Victorian London full of grotesques, human monsters, corruption, dystopian nightmares and sharp contrasts of poverty and wealth. It draws on Dickens and Wilkie Collins with character names drawn. Another clear homage is Arthur Conan Doyle as the set up of Private Investigator (Edward Moon with loyal assistant (The Somnambulist) and long suffering housekeeper (Mrs Grossmith clearly draws on Sherlock Homes....more The book has its roots in steam punk or gothic horror with a dark brooding picture of late Victorian London full of grotesques, human monsters, corruption, dystopian nightmares and sharp contrasts of poverty and wealth. It draws on Dickens and Wilkie Collins with character names drawn. Another clear homage is Arthur Conan Doyle as the set up of Private Investigator (Edward Moon with loyal assistant (The Somnambulist) and long suffering housekeeper (Mrs Grossmith clearly draws on Sherlock Homes. A clear nod to 19th century literature is a narrator who judges and questions the actions of the characters and your motives as the reader.

It has three major plot lines: first is a murder-mystery in which Moon tries to discover how a rich wastrel died at the foot of a strange tower which leads him deeper into a vast cultish plot to remake London; the second is a political thriller in which the English secret service( The Directory) is locked in a deadly struggle with the Russian Secret Service and for its own survival and the third is an historical fancy with London itself as a character as well as a key character who is living back into time from the future. Each of the stories interacts and shapes the other until the climatic struggle for the soul and future of London of the final chapters.

The characters in The Somnambulist are just as much fun as the story. Obviously, Edward Moon the magician detective, the Somnambulist a milk drinking giant, the creepy Human Fly, the cold but cunning Albino, the curdling supernatural Prefects, the 100 year old Chairman of love, Mr Cribb, the embodiment of London, Barrabas, the bearded-lady whore... the list goes on and on. Each has a part to play in the story from beginning to end, and each person's story is, for the most part, tidied up by the end of the story.

But many of these characters are broad-brush stroke and as the plot lurches in all direction without given time to settle they often fail to engage. The novel could have been done best as a three book series or one 800 page book. The relative shortness of the story leads to lots of issues not being explained or to sudden resolutions. One of the approaches of suggesting a back story of some 20 years of work and fame now fading especially since the failures of the Clapham case (hint Jack the Ripper) is one of the few area of depth in the story. As you can see, it’s not a conventional story by any means and you do have to read carefully in parts. But to the relief of many I must make it clear that this is not in any way literature but rather pure escapism or “eye candy for the brain”. So want to switch off and dive into over the top escapist fun then this is the book for you!
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04/11/08

Cherie rated it:

Read in February, 2008

The Somnambulist is a dark fantasy sort of mystery that takes place in turn-of-the-century Victorian England. It follow the adventures of Edward Moon, stage magician and part-time detective, and his loyal sidekick the Somnambulist. When a series of bizarre murders and strange disappearances starts taking place throughout London, the Directorate turns to Moon to help them figure out what's going on. But as the investigation proceeds, and the cryptic messages from medium Madame Innocenti start ...more

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02/09/08

Brooke rated it:

(review of isbn 0575079428)

bookshelves: 2008, science-fiction

Read in February, 2008

When I read the "If you liked these , you will love The Somnambulist" list that Borders put together, I decided that Jonathan Barnes' debut would have to land on my "favorites" list. It was compared to The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Neverwhere, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, and The Prestige, some of my most favorite things ever. It was probably a mistake going into it with such high expectations, because although it was an excellent book, I felt disappointed after I...more When I read the "If you liked these , you will love The Somnambulist" list that Borders put together, I decided that Jonathan Barnes' debut would have to land on my "favorites" list. It was compared to The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Neverwhere, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, and The Prestige, some of my most favorite things ever. It was probably a mistake going into it with such high expectations, because although it was an excellent book, I felt disappointed after I turned the last page.

This Victorian-era book is about a stage magician who also solves crimes for the police. He is a sort of Sherlock Holmes type, using his powers of ratiocination to untangle the threads that the police stumble over. The title refers to his assistant (both on stage and in his crime solving), a giant who doesn't speak. They start off investigating the deaths of two men, and uncover an entire plot against the city of London. It's slightly satirical of other books in the genre, in a very subtle way. And it's bizarre. It just gets weirder and weirder and it ends on an ambiguous note that left me wondering if I was satisfied or not. It was certainly an awesomely fun ride, but was it a great book? I can't decide.

Its ambiguity was a plus for it, in some ways. Barnes did a very good job of not spelling everything out, and instead left some things to the imagination. The main character had some tragic incident in the last case he took on, and although it's referred to many times, it's never explained what happened. He never explains where the Somnambulist came from (he just showed up at the main character's door one night), or why he doesn't speak. There's a shadowy government group involved that never gets a full explanation. It lends an extra air of mystery to the already-mysterious plot.

One thing I didn't understand was the title - both the reason for naming the character and for naming the book after him. There's only one throw-away line that mentions that he sleepwalks, and his sleepwalking never plays any part in the plot. It's a cool name, sure, but it doesn't serve any purpose.

I'd probably feel better about it if I hadn't expected it to be my newest favorite book. I certainly recommend it to people looking for something fun to read.(less)

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01/28/08

Stephanie rated it:

Read in January, 2008

This is Jonathan Barnes’ first novel. Set in Victorian London, the story centers around a man named Edward Moon, a has-been conjurer. He has a mute side-kick named The Somnambulist. The mystery of the story is why two unrelated men have each fallen to their deaths.

In the course of the story we are introduced to a wide array of vivid characters, each with their own quirkiness. I will never forget some, such as the Prefects! :-)

I don’t understand why the book is titled...more

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03/31/08

Amy rated it:

bookshelves: 2008, magical, mystery-and-suspense

Read in April, 2008

recommends it for: mary

Today I finally finished The Somnabulist by Jonathan Barnes. If you liked The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon or Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold (which I think is the slightly better of the two novels reminiscent of one another), you would like this. It takes place in Victorian London and has many fantasy/ mystery elements (including time travel and assassins with names like "The Mongoose"). The book is exciting, sometimes a little tedious and best r...more

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