
'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.
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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)
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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