the_sassy_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
This was just such a gorgeously written novel! Set in a mental hospital near London in 1840, the novel follows the experiences of several people linked to the hospital. The main one being the poet John Clare and is based on real events that took place in Epping Forest during that time. It's not a very long book, but the author's writing just makes it come alive (I believe the author is also a poet??). This was just a really wonderful book and I can see why it was shortlisted for the Man Booker prize this year.
dutchtineke's review against another edition
3.0
Liked it and made me look up information about John Clare, Alfred Tennyson and Matthew Allen.
foggy_rosamund's review against another edition
1.0
DNF approx 60% of the way through.
This book is trite and pretentious and I wish the author had left John Clare alone.
This book is trite and pretentious and I wish the author had left John Clare alone.
alexsiddall's review against another edition
4.0
Absorbing, engaging, good writing, a real feel for the time and milieu.
sharonbakar's review against another edition
5.0
I met Adam Foulds recently at an arts festival in Kuala Lumpur and was lucky enough to do a workshop with him on creating character. I felt a bit ashamed of myself that I hadn't read this book already (especially as I usually read the Booker shortlist, especially as he agreed to read at the event I organised).
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel - the writing was gorgeous, particularly rich in details of the natural world, and had me wanting to reread passages. He has recreated a small slice of history around High Beach Asylum in Epping Forest, run by Dr Malcolm Allen. The poet John Clare is incarcerated there, and Alfred Tennyson is renting a cottage close by since his brother Septimus is also a patient. I had never given much thought to the men behind the poetry, but Foulds opened a window for me into their lives and I found myself wanting to read beyond his novel to find out more about them. (Honestly, did Tennyson smell?)
Foulds has so much sympathy for his characters and does so well depicting their inner lives, including the workings of madness. The narrative, which weaves together the stories of several characters is very well handled.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel - the writing was gorgeous, particularly rich in details of the natural world, and had me wanting to reread passages. He has recreated a small slice of history around High Beach Asylum in Epping Forest, run by Dr Malcolm Allen. The poet John Clare is incarcerated there, and Alfred Tennyson is renting a cottage close by since his brother Septimus is also a patient. I had never given much thought to the men behind the poetry, but Foulds opened a window for me into their lives and I found myself wanting to read beyond his novel to find out more about them. (Honestly, did Tennyson smell?)
Foulds has so much sympathy for his characters and does so well depicting their inner lives, including the workings of madness. The narrative, which weaves together the stories of several characters is very well handled.
jayrinehart's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Unfortunately, identity crisis is not just the novel's theme. Foulds tries to explore various different topics in just a few pages, but unfortunately, none of them is handled very well. We get a look into one character's descent into madness, but there is not enough space to properly utilize it. And the same can be said about pretty much every other character, we get a glimpse into their struggles, but there is not much to take away from it. I'd love to see beyond the fancy prose of this novel, but as of right now, I can't say much more.
lazygal's review against another edition
5.0
This was historical fiction done right: set in an insane asylum in Epping Forest, swirl of thoughts and actions/reactions are almost nonlinear, and the history doesn't matter. The asylum is real, as are some of the characters, but it's not really about them and what they did as much as it's about their inner lives... mostly.
The peasant poet, John Clare, has been locked away (although the asylum is rather interesting, and several inmates are given keys so they can leave at will... as long as they come back each night). His delusions are that he is (occasionally) Lord Byron or a boxer, and his "wife" Mary was someone to whom he was never married. He's the hinge for much of the non-action, and we meet others through his eyes. Also at the asylum is Septimus Tennyson, brother of Alfred (himself given to "melancholy"). The ways in which the different inmates are treated is very much in keeping with Victorian era care (remember, this is also when the OED was being created with the help of Dr. W.C. Minor).
The encroachment of technology also plays a role, and our Head Asylum Keeper, Matthew Allen (a real person) loses interest in his inmates in order to pursue mechanical production of wooden furniture. I kid you not!
Why this book was not publicized more in the US is beyond me - it deservedly made the Booker shortlist. If you can find a copy, read it.
The peasant poet, John Clare, has been locked away (although the asylum is rather interesting, and several inmates are given keys so they can leave at will... as long as they come back each night). His delusions are that he is (occasionally) Lord Byron or a boxer, and his "wife" Mary was someone to whom he was never married. He's the hinge for much of the non-action, and we meet others through his eyes. Also at the asylum is Septimus Tennyson, brother of Alfred (himself given to "melancholy"). The ways in which the different inmates are treated is very much in keeping with Victorian era care (remember, this is also when the OED was being created with the help of Dr. W.C. Minor).
The encroachment of technology also plays a role, and our Head Asylum Keeper, Matthew Allen (a real person) loses interest in his inmates in order to pursue mechanical production of wooden furniture. I kid you not!
Why this book was not publicized more in the US is beyond me - it deservedly made the Booker shortlist. If you can find a copy, read it.
bfth23's review against another edition
1.0
I rarely give up on a book. But I deserve better and so do you.
If you like prose, this MIGHT be the book for you otherwise...don't bother.
If you like prose, this MIGHT be the book for you otherwise...don't bother.