The Great Stink by Clare Clark is a historical novel set in the sewers of Victorian London, following the intertwined stories of William May, a PTSD-suffering veteran of the Crimean War, and Tom, a tosher who collects rats from the sewers. The book delves into the dark and disturbing aspects of London's underbelly, exploring themes of corruption, murder, and the harsh realities of the era. Clark's writing style is described as atmospheric, detailed, and evocative, bringing the historical setting to life with vivid descriptions and meticulous research.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The Great Stink contains high content warnings for graphic depictions of self-harm, mental illness, animal cruelty, and the grotesque conditions of the sewer systems.
From The Publisher:
Clare Clark's critically acclaimed The Great Stink "reeks of talent" (The Washington Post Book World) as it vividly brings to life the dark and mysterious underworld of Victorian London. Set in 1855, it tells the story of William May, an engineer who has returned home to London from the horrors of the Crimean War. When he secures a job trans-forming the city's sewer system, he believes that he will be able to find salvation in the subterranean world beneath the city. But the peace of the tunnels is shattered by a murder, and William is implicated as the killer. Could he truly have committed the crime? How will he bring the truth above-ground? With richly atmospheric prose, The Great Stink combines fact and fiction to transport readers into London's putrid past, and marks the debut of a remarkably talented writer in the tradition of the very best historical novelists.
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About the Author:
CLARE CLARK is the author of four novels, including The Great Stink, which was long-listed for the Orange Prize and named a Washington Post Best Book of the Year, and Savage Lands, also long-listed for the Orange Prize. Her work has been translated into five languages. She lives in London.
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