The Luminaries in Reading the Chunksters

Apr 05, 2018 Linda rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2018, audio

What a richly detailed mystery, reminiscent of the chunky Victorian books that I love to get lost in. The number of characters involved and the way the timeline was presented in a non-linear format was a challenge, but it was a good challenge, and only made me pay attention to the story even more. The astrological signs and planetary details were lost on me, however, so I can only imagine how much more I would have gotten out of this book if I had a stronger background in astrology. Because of t ...more

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Sep 09, 2015 Alana rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, mystery, man-booker-prize

I read this along with others who enjoy books over 500 pages, and I highly recommend that, because it's easier to keep track of the myriad of characters by discussing them with others. I was pretty thoroughly confused about all of the characters and the connections until well over halfway through the book, but it all began to sort itself out and became and incredibly detailed, cohesive story.

It reminded me very much of a Columbo-type story, wherein the identity of the murderer and at least part I read this along with others who enjoy books over 500 pages, and I highly recommend that, because it's easier to keep track of the myriad of characters by discussing them with others. I was pretty thoroughly confused about all of the characters and the connections until well over halfway through the book, but it all began to sort itself out and became and incredibly detailed, cohesive story.

It reminded me very much of a Columbo-type story, wherein the identity of the murderer and at least part of the method and motive for the murder is known from about 1/4 of the way through, but the fun is in watching the detective solve the case and coerce the confession.

Apparently, the some of the Man Booker judges claimed to have read the book two or three times in one year. After finishing, I can understand that better, because it circles back on itself and you almost have to go back to pick up the rest of the clues from the beginning. Definitely one for a re-read in the future!

There are a plethora of astrological references, but after trying to follow all of that in the beginning, I eventually just ignored most of it and didn't feel like I missed out on any story for not looking for all of the meanings. The signs do tie the characters together in a number of ways, but it's not necessary to deeply follow all of it to get the storyline. It is much like The Lord of the Rings: there are more layers to it if you WANT to go deeper, but you certainly don't need to in order to follow along with the main story.

I think it's going to be one of my few 5-star reads, I enjoyed it that much! Not a conventional story-telling method, but still, all of the pieces are there, and the whole puzzle is visible by the end. If you're not enjoying the story, I'd say it probably won't improve for you, and no need to press on with something you're not liking. But if you're struggling because the story and number of characters is confusing, I'd encourage you to press on, because it does all come together in the end. ...more

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Sep 15, 2015 Nicola rated it really liked it

Shelves: to-reread, booker-prize

3 1/2 stars for now but I wouldn't be surprised if I re-read this shortly and possibly upgrade it to a 4 star rating. It was extremely well put together with lots of interesting characters, although it had one major plot point that I thought wasn't very likely and it left me with a nagging feeling which spoiled the cleverness of the setup.

I'll post a proper review when I catch up to this book; I've got a fair few others to write up first.

Edit - I've already upgraded it. I have ordered the physi ...more

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