Probably more like 3.5; I waffled a lot between giving it 3 and 4.Palliser used the diary format really well. There were none of the usual things that annoy me when authors try this - all dialog was in italics because it was Richard's memory of conversations, not actual conversations; there was no "As I know because I was there, the thing that happened was..." because, after all, Richard was there and already knows. I felt impatient with the narrator occasionally, but after all he's a 17 year old boy, so of course he would be foolish or impetuous at times. The sheer level of nastiness among the characters did seem a bit much. I think there were maybe two out of two dozen who didn't have a shameful sexual secret of some kind, though of course a lot of it could just have been rumor which Richard believed, but still, it's a pretty remarkable concentration in one small village.Still, on the whole it was an enjoyably spooky and mysterious read. If you loved "The Quincunx" you'll enjoy this. Most of the story is told through the journal of a 17-year old sex-obsessed, opium addicted young man. Like many a teenager he is very self-absorbed and quite naive about life - and what he doesn't know could literally kill him. The reader spends half the book wondering if his version is at all reliable; and wondering if he is really innocent (of at least the most brutal crimes) or a genius at obfuscation. The story is a great romp through 19th century England - a place where, in fiction, the weather can be counted upon to reflect the innermost feelings of the main protagonist.
Do You like book In Ballingschap (2013)?
Dark book. It didn't really engage me, but the concept was intriguing.
—nasso
Skipped a few chapters at the end & just read the last part. Eh.
—yalda
Meh. Just couldn't get into it. Not my cup of tea.
—beckyjocox
Kind of a weird book, but an enjoyable read.
—Strawberry
