A chronicle of life of an eighteenth-century man born without the ability to feel pain, this amazing book (New York Times Book Review).
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Jul 06, 2011
Jon
rated it: 
Not exactly a title that says "pick me up and buy me," but nevertheless a very richly detailed novel set in 18th century England, one that really made me feel what it must have been like to be alive then. Too many beautifully worded descriptions to repeat here, but here's one on a new-born calf: "A glorious sight! The cow's expanse of tongue licking the calf, and the calf itself, trembling, delicately stunned by its passage into the air." The story is about a man who is born
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Dec 07, 2009
JP
rated it: 
I only put this in the "fantasy" category to point out the narrow-mindedness of most categorizations. It is historical fiction (1700's) based on a character who is unable to feel pain and heals with freakish speed. It is historical fiction, but why is it not fantasy, just because there are no pixies and unicorns in it? No less fantasy than Black Wine (which still rocks, by the way, and is branded as fantasy with nary a pixie or hippogriff in sight). Great book so far - pretty grim, tho
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May 30, 2009
Barb
rated it:
Very Interesting Premise, Interesting Characters, Historically Well Written. But the ending and the relationships between the characters were a bit disappointing to me.
There were parts of this novel that I really enjoyed, the author is clearly talented. He creates vivid images, some memorable characters and moves the story along at a brisk pace. It was only in the fleshing out of the emotional relationships between his characters that I found myself wanting for more.
Ja More...
There were parts of this novel that I really enjoyed, the author is clearly talented. He creates vivid images, some memorable characters and moves the story along at a brisk pace. It was only in the fleshing out of the emotional relationships between his characters that I found myself wanting for more.
Ja More...
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Feb 20, 2010
Steve
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This is a sublime achievement for a debut novel as Miller has not only created a tour-de-force of historical fiction, but has also captured the essence of the period of the Enlightenement with on the one hand, its heady mix of scientific enquiry and heightened awareness of the wider world to be explored, and on the other, the underlying cruelty and barbarity which still anchored society to the superstitions and practices of gthe past. James Dyer is a masterful creation with which to vividly brin
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Sep 25, 2011
Lynn
rated it: 
By and large, I enjoyed this book, though more for the excellent period detail than the plot itself, such as it was.
Miller has done a fine job of incorporating into James Dyer's character true-life stories of people with the rare congenital condition known as congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (lack of sweating)(CIPA), which is now believed to stem from a flawed gene called SCN9A. Similarly, Miller's description of the other "freaks" who inhabit James' world More...
Miller has done a fine job of incorporating into James Dyer's character true-life stories of people with the rare congenital condition known as congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (lack of sweating)(CIPA), which is now believed to stem from a flawed gene called SCN9A. Similarly, Miller's description of the other "freaks" who inhabit James' world More...
Sep 17, 2011
Elizabeth
rated it:
I loved this book when I first read it a few years ago but reading it again found that I hadn't remembered it as well as I thought - I'd really only remembered the basic concept and not the picaresque story which makes up most of the novel. So I'm rather more dubious about it now, feeling that its 'high concept' is merely illustrated rather than developed. It's a great read, though, moving, and a vivid and authentic-seeming depiction of the atmosphere and language of eighteenth-century England.
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May 17, 2009
Ugh
rated it:
A little disappointing. The first half or two thirds is quite engrossing, and it's very well written (although I wouldn't go so far as to say "dazzling" or "extraordinary", as the critics on the cover proclaim), but it just didn't do enough for me. I don't think the characters in general and the main character in particular are fleshed out enough, and the story doesn't do an awful lot. It doesn't impart much in the way of wisdom or insight or offer any fresh or surprising per
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May 30, 2011
Jess
rated it: 
This book started s...l...o...w. It got more interesting from page 40 to about 240, and then slowed down again. After the appearance of Mary, I didn't really get what was going on, or what the author's point was. At the end, I just sat there wondering what that was all about. Also, as someone who recently read a biography of Catherine the Great, I found the fictional race to Russia to administer the smallpox vaccine ridiculous and lacking tension, since I already knew who was going to "win.
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Dec 12, 2008
Jim
rated it:
Quite a brilliant & unusual debut - we follow the exploits of James Dyer, a young man who since birth has a complete absence of compassion, brought about as a result of his unique inability to feel any physical pain whatsoever.
The novel is set in mid-C18 Europe and bridges the 'dawn of the Enlightenment' and rather more simple, darker and brutal times, when a broken limb or influenza could bring about one's untimely (of today) demise.
The human condition is explored at len More...
The novel is set in mid-C18 Europe and bridges the 'dawn of the Enlightenment' and rather more simple, darker and brutal times, when a broken limb or influenza could bring about one's untimely (of today) demise.
The human condition is explored at len More...
Jul 03, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
Das Buch wollte ich schon lange mal lesen, weil ich den Titel so interessant fand. Es geht um James Dyer, der von Geburt an keinerlei Schmerz oder sonstige Gefühle empfindet. Seinen Geschwistern und auch seinen Eltern ist er unheimlich, da er nie weint und fast gar nicht spricht.
Als seine Eltern sterben, ist James gezwungen, mit einem fahrenden Händler durch das Land zu reisen und ihm dabei zu helfen, ein sogenanntes "Wundermittel" zu verkaufen. Er schafft es allerdings, diesem H More...
Als seine Eltern sterben, ist James gezwungen, mit einem fahrenden Händler durch das Land zu reisen und ihm dabei zu helfen, ein sogenanntes "Wundermittel" zu verkaufen. Er schafft es allerdings, diesem H More...
Feb 07, 2009
Steve
rated it:
Tells the story of James Dyer, born in 18th century rural England, who is unable to feel pain. Exploited first by a travelling showman, then by the doctor who rescues him, he becomes a successful if unlikeable doctor, apparently lacking a soul. The story is interesting and well told, but ultimately seemed to me as empty as the main character. Not to mention that someone unable to feel pain would hardly have survived the limited hygeine of the period beyond his earliest years. But that's a quibbl
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Mar 20, 2009
Ege
rated it:
Very captivating story, seemed well-researched about the everyday details and sensuality of 18th cc. England and Europe.. but I finished the book still wanting a better resolution and explanation of many questions that kept the reader searching after.. eg. the evolution and dynamics of the relationship between James and Mary, and what kind exactly of a healer/witch Mary was.. Still, I don't regret having devoted some evenings to indulging in that world between the pages..
Feb 06, 2012
Mai
rated it:
One of the books that inspired me the most. I was a little disappointed at first, because I wanted more out of it. But then I realized that what I love the most about that book is that I long for more of it. Definitely leaves room for the reader to use his/her imagination and get creative.
Mar 11, 2010
Velvetink
rated it:
"And did you get what you wanted from this life,even so. I did.
And what did you want? To call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on earth" - Raymond Carver.
I have to agree with a few other people and say that it's a combo of historical fiction and fantasy. The ending was a bit sudden and disappointing, but overall I enjoyed it. Lyrical and sometimes grim.
And what did you want? To call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on earth" - Raymond Carver.
I have to agree with a few other people and say that it's a combo of historical fiction and fantasy. The ending was a bit sudden and disappointing, but overall I enjoyed it. Lyrical and sometimes grim.
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Jul 13, 2009
Helen
rated it: 
Another book I started and left without finishing. It is written in Ye Olde English and felt totally contrived and annoying, so much so I couldn't get into the storyline, which is supposed to be absolutely wonderful.
May 29, 2011
Excellent book about a medical oddity in the early days of medical science: a man who feels no pain.
Oct 09, 2010
Anne-marie
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Interesting to imagine a world without pain and how we would definie ourselves were this our life.
Dec 08, 2010
Ann
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I've read the dutch translation, couldn't find it without a lot of fuss therefor added this version
Feb 24, 2010
Michael
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Conceived on ice, James Dyer is extraordinary. He cannot feel pain.
This is part historical adventure, part philosophical exploration of the 18th century English enlightenment and the broader themes of science (the rational) vs the supernatural (the emotional).
It is brilliantly written with a clean and sharp turn of phrase that holds up even the thinnest parts of it - and there were some parts of it that I felt were unsatisfactory - but overall it is a very good book whic More...
This is part historical adventure, part philosophical exploration of the 18th century English enlightenment and the broader themes of science (the rational) vs the supernatural (the emotional).
It is brilliantly written with a clean and sharp turn of phrase that holds up even the thinnest parts of it - and there were some parts of it that I felt were unsatisfactory - but overall it is a very good book whic More...
Aug 05, 2011
Justin
rated it:
Interesting premise for a story. I read it on vacation and I found it really difficult to get into, due mostly to Miller's writing style.
Oct 31, 2008
Peter H.
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Ingenious Pain is one of the best historical novels I ever read. It's the first work of British writer Andrew Miller. And what a first novel. It's extremely well written and tells the story about a boy/man/doctor who can't feel pain, neither his own or others' . Wow! I repeat, Wow!
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Feb 20, 2010
César
rated it:
Buena lectura. Se aleja de la tipica novela historica para conseguir un resultado mas que aceptable, aunque no unico ni original, ya que en todo momento el personaje principal asi como la estructura del libro y su final recuerdan a otras obras. (P.Ej.: El Perfume)
Mar 25, 2008
Christa
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I am torn between 3 and 4 stars for this book. It has an interesting premise and I was engaged throughout the entire reading. Much better than "Casanova in Love"
Jul 26, 2009
Matt
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Really slow in parts for me but a really interesting overall theme. Entire first part of the book could have done without but I liked the end.
Mar 24, 2008
Michael
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I learned that not being able to feel pain wouldn't be that cool. In fact, it'd make you hella creepy.
Jul 08, 2007
Lois
rated it:
This is a brilliant story of a surgeon who does not feel pain. Sounds simple, is nothing but.
