In 'A Maggot' by John Fowles, the story unfolds in the early English seventeen hundreds, following a group of travelers on a perilous journey from London to Bristol on horseback. The narrative is structured in a unique way, with the second part of the book presented in a series of depositions by the travelers and eyewitnesses, revealing a tale of deception, mystery, and deeper revelations. As the legal factor of a high English nobleman investigates the disappearance of his son, the readers are taken on a journey filled with twists and turns, blending elements of historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy.

The writing style of 'A Maggot' showcases John Fowles' ability to keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end. The novel is praised for its intricate plot that challenges the reader to search for deeper explanations to life's mysteries, while also offering insights into the characters and relationships of the 18th century. Fowles skillfully weaves together themes of deception, revelation, and the supernatural, creating a narrative that transcends time and genre boundaries, making it a thought-provoking and immersive read.

Characters:

Characters are multifaceted, including an investigator, a transformed woman, and a mysterious nobleman, each contributing to the story's depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is reflective of its historical setting, dense yet intellectually engaging, incorporating metafictional and postmodern elements.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative involves a bizarre mystery among travelers in 18th-century England, centering on a hanging man and supernatural elements.

Setting:

The setting is richly detailed in 18th-century England, with specific locales enhancing the historical atmosphere.

Pacing:

Pacing is generally slow, demanding patience from the reader, and varies significantly through different narrative elements.

IN THE LATE AND LAST AFTERNOON of an April long ago, a forlorn little group of travellers cross a remote upland in the far south-west of England. All are on horseback, proceeding at a walk along the m...

Notes:

A Maggot was published in 1985 and is often categorized as historical fiction with sci-fi elements.

The novel is set in 1736 and follows a group of travelers in the English countryside.

The story involves a mysterious hanging and the disappearance of four travelers.

Rebecca, a key character, transforms from a prostitute to a religious visionary.

The book explores themes of deception and revelation, particularly through its complex narrative.

Fowles uses 18th-century dialogue, making the reading experience slower and more challenging.

Characters experience strange, supernatural events, hinting at the existence of otherworldly beings.

There is a significant theological debate between characters, reflecting the era's philosophical struggles.

The novel incorporates metafictional elements and has a postmodern style, including interviews and letters.

The title 'A Maggot' refers to an older meaning of the word, hinting at themes of decay and transformation.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are medium content warnings for A Maggot, which may include discussions of sexual violence, sexual content, and psychological themes.

Has Romance?

There is a moderate level of romantic elements present in A Maggot, particularly in the dynamic between characters.

From The Publisher:

In his prologue, John Fowles tells us that A Maggot began as a vision he had of five travellers riding with mysterious purpose through remote countryside. This image gives way to another - a hanging corpse with violets stuffed in its mouth - which leads us into a maze of beguiling paths and wrong turnings, disappearances and revelations, unaccountable motives and cryptic deeds, as this compelling mystery swerves towards a starling vision at its centre.

Ratings (2)

Loved It (2)

Reader Stats (3):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (1)

What can you read after
A Maggot?

About the Author:

John Fowles was born in 1926. He won international recognition with The Collector, his first published title, in 1963. He was immediately acclaimed as an outstandingly innovative writer of exceptional imaginative power, and this reputation was confirmed with the appearance of his subsequent works: The Aristos, The Magus, The French Lieutenant's Woman, The Ebony Tower, Daniel Martin, Mantissa, and A Maggot. John Fowles died in Lyme Regis in 2005. Two volumes of his Journals have recently been published; the first in 2003, the second in 2006.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

A Maggot

John Fowles