Quincunx

Rating:
Summary: I can't put this down!
Review: This book is AWESOME. It is a huge conspiracy book with pieces to the puzzle on every page. This is one of those few books, i want to read all day and can't put down.

Rating:
Summary: Intriguing, in the tradition of Charles Dickens.
Review: Although plausibility of the story suffers somewhat as the plot doubles back on itself numerous times, and as nearly every character in the book betrays the protagonist, it is extremely well-written. Its lush prose is worthy of being savored. Its style is reminiscent of Charles Dickens, and its setting is early 1800s in England. Take your time with the book despite its length because the plot is 'rococo' enough to be really confusing at some points.

Rating:
Summary: Nearly A Master Piece But With Something Missing
Review: I have to admit that this must be one of the best books I have read. The author has put such detail into the book and his time and effort has produced something special. The downfall for me was the ending, I feel the author has not put as much effort into the climax of the novel which came as a dissapointment to me. I can't agree with the comments of George Richter though, I believe that the plot was reasonably straight-forward, and that the comment of John Dore, "Charles Palliser weaves a wonderful tapestry but, towards the end, he seems to have become wearied by his mammoth task", sums up my comments exactly.

Rating:
Summary: Mesmerizing
Review: After 4 non-stop days of sheer bliss, I have finished this wonderful book. I wish there was another to follow-up. But help--does anyone know who John's father was--Martin? I don't think Peter. Thanks for any illumination on this point. Do I really have to re-read it?

Rating:
Summary: Terrific, but is he better than Dickens?
Review: I loved this book when I first read it in 1991, and am loving it once again as I am reading it right now. Everything that other reviewers have written expresses what I would want to say. Still, comparisons with Dickens are overblown, or at least premature. As the flyleaf on the book says, it took Palliser twelve years to research and write this book. Dickens wrote his novels as serial installments in literary magazines, under tremendous editorial time pressures, frequently writing more than one book at once. That is true genius--Mr. Palliser's book is brilliant, but let's not get carried away with the comparisons.

Rating:
Summary: The best novel ever written
Review: Since I've acquired the Quincunx, I've been reading it constantly, over and over again, this novel has hypnotized me from the beginning. I can't explain why I'm doing this. At first I had a hard time understanding it, but now I know it better and better and still every time I go through a chapter I gain new insights into the plot. For me it's a kind of constant reading and constant review, and every other novel I try to read seems extremely boring to me. I would very much like to share thoughts about the book with other readers... No doubt I recommend it to everyone who is not afraid of an intellectual challenge. It's a great book ! Evelyne

Rating:
Summary: There are no incidental characters.
Review: This is the most detailed and beautifully written book I have ever read. I caught myself many times rereading or reading aloud the excellently written flowing prose. As mentioned there are no incidental characters. Every character introduced has a real impact on the outcome. As the story line progresses you can't believe the steady descent in the human condition. Definitely a book you'll be pleased that you read and happy to recommend and discuss.

Rating:
Summary: INGENIOUS!
Review: I've never read a better book in all my life! Charles Palliser writes this book so everytime you feel as if you have the answer, something happends to make you doubt yourself. It's wonderful! I must say, it is a truly ingenious masterpiece!

Rating:
Summary: Incredible
Review: Having read the reviews of others, I'm not sure I can add much. Certainly this is a wonderful book; nevertheless, let us not go overboard by being so dismissive of Dickens. Comparisons between Palliser and Dickens are valid, and both are stupendous writers. This book stands out in part because there are so many wretched novels in today's market, whereas the bad novels from Dickens' day usually have not survived to the present.

Rating:
Summary: One of the top 10 best
Review: This book is in a word Brilliant. The plot twists are amazing. It has been more than a few years since I have read it, but it instantly and continuously has remained on my top 10 list. Do not be put off by its length. Iread it in less than a week because I truly could not put it down. If Dickens were only this good !!! Palliser's later work The Betrayal is so complicated that I honestly did not understand it. You can tell he is a genius, and I just could not keep up.