Quincunx

Book review by Joel
I found this book at the bookstore while looking for science books. I was looking for something light. I also had heard that this book had something to do with The Da Vinci Code (a precursor to it).

Well, I was wrong on all counts. This book is definitely not light reading, has absolutely nothing to do with The Da Vinci Code, and is actually depressing to read. I don’t want to spoil it for any one, it may have just been depressing to me, but this book has a lot in common with Dickens’ Oliver Twist (Penguin Classics) without the happy ending.

It took me 100 pages to get into it. Usually, I give up before that, but I was waiting for the Code part of the book to start. Maybe that’s what disappointed me so much…preconceptions. Doggonit. Plus, something at the end of the book really rankled me--a character acted so out of character that plot manipulation was surely involved. (Maybe that was a wink and nod to Dickens?)

Ok, having said the above, I must say that the environment and character development in this book was outstanding. I found myself transported to Victorian England in some of the poorest most wretched neighborhoods in London, without any money or lodgings. Back then, that could mean a death sentence, especially while begging for food or money was illegal (unless you paid off the cops). There was a rich tapestry of period details woven into the story. The liner notes say Charles researched for 12 years before writing the book. You can really tell he worked hard on that.

I thought of Tracey a lot while reading this. I know she would like it for the detail of history alone. But I think she would kill me if she read it on my recommendation. I came away very dissatisfied with how the story left me at the end.

Joel.

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