The Luminaries

The Luminaries was the most fun I have had reading a book in ages. It’s a sprawling 832 page novel that starts out slow. It uses a very interesting conceit to structure the narrative and it’s characters. It’s also written like a book from another era yet thoroughly appealing to modern sensibilities. After a measured start it picks up the pace and I found myself racing towards it’s incredibly satisfying denouement. Set in 18th century New Zealand during it’s own gold rush The Luminaries is an intricately plotted mystery novel first. Secondly is witty and funny and it’s eclectic cast of characters remain entertaining throughout. If I had to sum it up it was both, the fastest I have managed finish a novel and the longest novel I have read in recent times.