The Luminaries (Man Booker Prize)

by

849 pages

Published Oct. 15, 2013 by Little, Brown and Company.

ISBN:
978-0-316-12695-3
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(4 reviews)

Winner of the Man Booker Prize of 2013. Wonderful novel taking place in New-Zealand during the golden rush. Une intrigue complexe et fine à la fois, vrai roman d'aventure historique mais pas seulement. L'auteur s'amuse avec nous et nous mène de révélations en révélations tout en nous laissant à la fin du livre avec une grande envie de continuer dans le monde qu'elle a créé pour nous.

6 editions

reviewed The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton

Masterful

The writing style captured me from the beginning, although it was sometimes (in the first few sections) a struggle to follow the rather complex plot with so many characters. I really appreciated all the authentic New Zealand (and especially Hokitika) references - wildlife, Maori language and culture, street names, etc. since I discovered and started reading this book in Hokitika itself. However, I think many clever astrological references were lost on me. Despite that I thoroughly enjoyed the book. This would be a great one to take apart in an English Lit. class.

reviewed The Luminaries (Man Booker Prize) by Eleanor Catton

Review of 'The Luminaries (Man Booker Prize)' on 'Goodreads'

Ah, this is wonderful story telling, drawing me in and becoming more intriguing, as it progressed. And I had no idea that there was ever a gold rush in New Zealand. Most of this tale takes place in the 1860's, and since I live within easy driving distance of Gettysburg, that time period, in my mind, is all about the American Civil War. (Though I am aware that life in the rest of the world went on...)

There is a long cast of characters in this tale, and at first it looks daunting, but they are introduced and involved in a way that I found clear and memorable. This is a story that will stick to me, and I'm glad that I avoided reading anything about it beforehand, since there are so many secrets that unfold along the way.

I only wish I'd read this tome on vacation, when I …

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