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The Meaning of Night

Book 1 in the series:The Meaning of Night

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'The Meaning of Night' by Michael Cox is a Victorian mystery novel that begins with a confession of a murder committed by the protagonist. Set in the 19th century, the novel unravels a complex tale of murder, deception, revenge, and intrigue in the backdrop of Victorian England. The writing style is described as authentic to the period, with detailed descriptions and dialogue reminiscent of Victorian melodramas and detective novels, evoking the styles of authors like Wilkie Collins and Dickens.

Characters:

Characters are morally complex and memorable, with the protagonist being deeply flawed and the antagonist embodying hidden agendas.

Writing/Prose:

The writing mimics classic Victorian literature, featuring elaborate and detailed prose, though some found it excessively wordy.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features complex layers and a strong focus on revenge, with various unpredictable twists and a memorable narrative.

Setting:

Set in Victorian England, the atmosphere is vivid, filled with historical detail that enhances the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slowly but gains momentum as the narrative progresses, although some find parts overly drawn out.
It had been surprisingly – laughably – easy. I had followed him for some distance, after first observing him in Threadneedle-street. I cannot say why I decided it should be him, and not one of the oth...

Notes:

The book was written by Michael Cox and published in 2006, and it took him 30 years to complete.
The story is narrated by Edward Glyver, who opens with the confession of murdering a red-haired man.
The novel is set in Victorian England during the mid-19th century.
Themes of revenge, obsession, and identity are central to the plot.
Many readers have drawn comparisons to the works of Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins due to its intricate plot and detailed character development.
The narrative style mimics 19th-century literature, featuring unreliable narration and extensive footnotes that provide context.
Edward Glyver is portrayed as both an anti-hero and a complex character, making readers both sympathize and revile him.
The plot involves Edward seeking to reclaim his rightful inheritance, which has been usurped by his adversary, Phoebus Daunt.
Despite the lengthy 700-page count, many readers found the story engaging after the initial slow buildup.
The book includes allusions to various literary works and authors, enriching the reading experience for bibliophiles.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of murder, betrayal, and violence which may be distressful for some readers.

Has Romance?

While there is a presence of romance, it is not the central focus, but rather is intertwined with the protagonist’s quest and motivations.

From The Publisher:

The atmosphere of Bleak House, the sensuous thrill of Perfume, and the mystery of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell all combine in a story of murder, deceit, love, and revenge in Victorian England.

"After killing the red-haired man, I took myself off to Quinn's for an oyster supper." So begins the "enthralling" (Booklist, starred review) and "ingenious" (Boston Globe) story of Edward Glyver, booklover, scholar, and murderer. As a young boy, Glyver always believed he was destined for greatness. A chance discovery convinces him that he was right: greatness does await him, along with immense wealth and influence. Overwhelmed by his discovery, he will stop at nothing to win back a prize that he knows is rightfully his.

Glyver's path to reclaim his prize leads him from the depths of Victorian London, with its foggy streets, brothels, and opium dens, to Evenwood, one of England's most beautiful and enchanting country houses, and finally to a consuming love for the beautiful but enigmatic Emily Carteret. His is a story of betrayal and treachery, of death and delusion, of ruthless obsession and ambition. And at every turn, driving Glyver irresistibly onward, is his deadly rival: the poet-criminal Phoebus Rainsford Daunt.

The Meaning of Night is an enthralling novel that will captivate readers right up to its final thrilling revelation.

Ratings (4)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (19):

Read It (6)
Want To Read (13)

1 comment(s)

Did Not Like
1 week

Being compared to two books I didn't enjoy and one I loved sounded like a fun challenge to see if I would end up liking it. Bit unfortunately it did not work for me. Kinda disappointed because it's one of the more beautiful books I own. But back to second hand it goes

 

About the Author:

Michael Cox (1948-2009) was the biographer of the ghost-story writer and scholar M. R. James. His first novel, The Meaning of Night, was shortlisted for the 2007 Costa First Novel Award.

 
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