Utterly Captivating

I had put this in 'My next listen' a while ago and downloaded it to my iPod, so when I started to listen, I had forgotten about it and why I'd chosen it, so everything came as a surprise. From the first few minutes I was absolutely captivated and at several points my heart rate increased dramatically! I began to wonder if this was written by a modern author or whether I was actually listening to a genuine Victorian novel as its period was so convincingly portrayed, and the style of language so authentic. I loved all the antiquarian background and warmed to many of the characters, whom I found very convincing.

My first impression of the central character was not a favourable one, but the author successfully manipulated my emotions to the extent that I felt utterly led by the nose through every highway and byway until I was rooting for 'G' with all I was worth!

Beautifully narrated, too.

A book I have no doubt I shall return to again and again.

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14 people found this helpful

TrueVictoriana.

It has been a long time since I enjoyed a book like this one. I was totally taken away by it. Poor old E. G. One can see his mistakes happening, and you want to shout at him or, telephone the studio or something ridiculous. And of course it is all so inevitable. The thing about Michael Cox is that, he has mastered the victorian art of telling a story. Certainly, some of the devices are a bit obvious and long drawn out; it simply isn't possible to tell a complete story in this way in front of the fire with a cigar in your hand. But, what the hell, it is a magnificent story, and I for one loved it. I have even contemplated buying the actual book, just for the pleasure of seeing it on my shelves. Yes, I do read as well. And oh joy, Michael revealed in the interview at the end of it (who was the interviewer? She ought to go back to school) that there is to be a sequel! I for one cannot wait. Come back Mr. Glyver, all is forgiven.

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8 people found this helpful

I love this book

Normally after I listen to a book on my ipod, I remove it and replace it with the next one. The Meaning of Night is permanently on my ipod and I regularly dip back into it. Michael Cox's delivery is perfect, capturing the mood and personality of the main character. Love it!

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Immersing

A wonderful book superbly narrated by David Timson who managed to maintain a different voice for each character.

It's unfortunate that the chapters in the audiobook are arbitrarily separated and bear no relation to the underlying book's sections and chapters.

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Curate's egg

Beautiful and very knowlegable descriptions and great use of the Victorian 1st person, but some of the plot devices grate a little. A bit like when Le Carr? has a character expiring all day from a mortal wound, but they just live long enough to deliver half of an enigmatic clue. The worst example was when a character armed with all of the necessary paperwork to finish the story in the next two pages, knowing that he is in mortal danger, says ?I won?t give you this stuff now I?ll just ride home through this dark forest and see you tomorrow?. There are some great parts to it though.

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24 people found this helpful

A really good story

I would heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a long and developed story. The characters are rich and varied and many storylines run side by side but are all in some way connected. Only 4 stars though because in some places too long winded, repetitive and could have done with less of the sex!

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1 person found this helpful

The narration spoils it

I found the first few hours absolutely dreadful and was almost ready to give up on the book - something that a compulsion to finish every novel I start urges me to never do. I had the feeling that the story was not going anywhere and, what is worse, I simply could not warm to the main character whom I perceived as selfish, arrogant and extremely obnoxious in his ways. So much so, that I found him somewhat detestable. I persisted, however, and am so glad that I did so! The novel is complex, superbly atmospheric and very well researched. I blame my initial disappointment on the narration, which never ceased to irritate me throughout the book. Its superfluous pomposity deprived the characters of their depth and complexity and made it really hard for me to immerse myself in the book, even when I had firmly decided to ignore the smirking tone of the narrator. To the novel itself, however, I can give nothing but a 5 star review!

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Gripping!

This is such an incredible story. It keeps you listening keenly. The protagonist manages to make you sympathetic to him but also makes you cringe at some of his antics. Brilliant writing and research. Thank you Michael Cox!

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Long and absorbing, if a little implausible

A very enjoyable listen. Quite wordy, but a brilliant evocation of Victorian England. The opening is rivetting - with touches of Jack the Ripper - and the story unfolds in a way that kept me gripped. The author has a sure and steady hand as he navigates us, the readers/listeners through the plot. And what a plot it is. Convoluted and intense, although personally I found it slightly melodramatic (which I guess suits the Victorian theme) and a bit implausible. That didn't spoil many hours of good listening though!

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Gripping and Wonderful

What a great book. Kept me totally enthralled in my lovely villa in Greece. It was one of those books that you did not want it to end. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to be kept in suspense all way through the book.

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