An Instance of the Fingerpost

Rating:
Summary: Mystery that Last Longer than an Instant
Review: Iain Pears' (there's not enough people in this world named Iain) novel is a good diversionary read. It is a history piece in the mid 17th century that combines a little science, a little bit of politics, a little bit of mysticism, and a lot of intellect, mystery, and sleuthing along the way. All of this sounds quite engaging but the format told from four different viewpoints became distracting and unnecessarily lengthened the tale. I really would give this a strong 3, but it didn't hold up to other books I've given a four-star to.

The format did provide some interesting reading, as the reader discovers that what he assumed before about characters and turn of events is based on wrong assumptions at the whim of a character's point of view. This was interesting with two characters, but by the fourth, I was looking for the story to end. If you have the book around, pick it up and give it a read. But I wouldn't call it an essential read. It probably would have good appeal though if you are into English history of that time or are a die-hard mystery addict.

Rating:
Summary: A Tour de Force!
Review: Peopled with many actual historical individuals, this erudite mystery is set against the backdrop of a very turbulent and unstable period in English history--that of the Restoration in the late 1600s. Author Iain Pears presents a glimpse into the scientific methodology of the time, together with the philosophy, theology, superstitions and prejudices (be they religious, ethnic, or gender) that intertwine to reflect the often competing mindsets of the 17th century man.

All of this is incorporated into what surely must be one of the most intricately complex, creative, and tightly-woven plots ever written. That there are no loose ends not only makes this novel a pleasure to read, but it is evidence of great care having been taken in planning this extraordinary story. For his efforts, Pears has without a doubt penned a masterpiece.

The novel takes the form of a series of manuscripts. Briefly (and without giving anything away), the tale is told through the eyes of four individuals whose social status, ideologies, backgrounds, personalities, and hence perspectives, are very different indeed. Their recollections are never repetitious; in some cases, there is actually very little overlap at all. Thread by thread, however, this tapestry of a story is skilfully and meticulously woven.

For those who enjoy being challenged and surprised by an exceptionally well-crafted and satisfying mystery, this is one of the best that I've come across. In fact, it is so full of twists and surprises that it is sure to please even the most jaded reader of mysteries.

This novel is sure to appeal to anyone who enjoys an intellectually stimulating read; it will, however, be of particular interest to aficionados of historical fiction, philosophy, theology, or historical scientific methods. Very highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Perfect
Review: One of the best books I have ever read. Perfect in every way - the prose, the plot, the characters. If I were an author, this is the type of book I would have wanted to write. It kept me up more than one night reading until all hours.

Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary
Review: This book is extraordinary. Just when you think you know where it is heading, you soon find it pointing in a different direction. A wonderful guide to 17th century medicine, religion and thought and a terrific mystery. Well Done!

Rating:
Summary: An original take on a tired genre
Review: "An Instance of the Fingerpost" does so many things right, it's hard to know where to begin. First and foremost, I guess, is that unlike most modern mysteries, the reader actually remains in suspense for much of the book. Which leads my second point, the remarkable way in which the book is written. Rather than one long narrative, the reader is provided with four, each from a different point of view, and each approaching the central mystery from a different point. As a result the reader is introduced to many plot threads that seem significant, only to have them snipped off later in the novel.

Furthermore, Pears does a superb job of capturing the spirit of the time. His use of the English language is impeccable, as the dialogue possesses a distinct 17th Century feel. More impressive, however, is his ability to write an engaging novel, using real people as characters, without disrupting the actual timeline of events. Of course the central story is fictional, but it operates seamlessly within historical fact.

"An Instance of the Fingerpost" is not just an excellent mystery, it is an excellent work of literature as well. The characters are incredibly well drawn and grapple with their consciences to a remarkable degree. It is undoubtedly a novel that leaves the reader thinking about right and wrong, and about how they might have acted in similar circumstances.

In conclusions I offer two warnings. First, read this book in the shortest time you can; the longer it takes you to read it, the more likely you are to forget key points from the various narratives. Second, since the story is presented in four parts, the novel starts out a little slow. Stick with it, though, and you won't be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Fun to read
Review: An Instance of the Fingerpost was an exciting read. The book consists of four accounts of the same story, each of them giving a different perspective on the characters, motives, and historical events in Medieval England. A combination of a crime story, a philisophy tract and a medical journal, the novel is very well-researched. I would recommend it to anyone who likes historical "mysteries".

Rating:
Summary: Flawless
Review: This is an incredible book. I disagree completely with the reviewer who said that the four narrative voices are too similar and also those who decry the ending. One of the things that I found remarkable as I read was the author's skill at evoking an almost subliminal exposition of each individual narrator, writ small and large ... habits of thinking, perspective, priority ... these changed with each voice in believable ways. As far as the ending -- it is the ending as seen by Anthony Wood, who is as fallible as the other three narrators. To the extent that this ruins the book for a reader, it is perhaps an indication that they have not learned the lesson of the book -- that words and deeds are open to interpretation, even by those involved. Besides, even if we accept Wood's account as true, when one reads, it should be with an open mind tolerant to all possibility -- otherwise why not limit your reading to account ledgers? Does the non-existence of Oz detract from Baum's creation? It needn't. Does Orwell's "1984" frighten us less because such events had not occurred? It shouldn't.

This would be a great e-book, since many exchanges between characters are later depicted differently by another narrator, and the process of trying to find the scene again in another part of the book would be easier if one could use a search function.

The author sustains momentum throughout, layering meticulous detail with exciting exposition and revealing, through human stories and in all its complexity, the Reformation -- one of the most dramatic times in England's history.

Obviously, as evidenced by the reviews, not everyone has loved this book. While I think detractors are wrong :-) what is important, particularly when undertaking a volume of this length, is some prediction of whether or not *you* will like it. I would suggest that if you are interested in history (particularly English) or historiography, if you want to immerse yourself in a challenging but rewarding story, if your mind is not lazy or of the fault-finding variety, and if you are fascinated by human psychology, there is a good chance you will enjoy it very much.

Take a chance. This is a wonderful book.

Rating:
Summary: Word of advice
Review: Please, just read it. Let your mind trip, try to follow the subtle hints - admit your defeat. I don't like mysteries - this one is outstanding in any genre.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliantly Researched but Tedious
Review: I have to admit that the very idea this book posits intrigued me from the outset. Four different people who saw the very same event in four completely different ways. Which story is the truthful one? Can absolute truth even be discerned? Fascinating!

Pears' book is brilliantly and meticulously researched and for that reason and that reason alone, I awarded it three stars. Unfortunately, his brilliant idea falls short in the second story. Instead of four people giving us four versions of "the truth," we have four very monotonous stories that rehash the very same thing. In addition, the "voices" of each of the four characters are very much the same, making it seem as though one person is doing all the narrating when it should have been four.

The plot that begins with such an intriguing premise soon dissipates into what I can only term a "cop out" and the ending is not to be believed! I do not mean that in a good sense, but in a very bad one! My only reaction (besides resentment) at the ending of this book was, "Good grief!" I am aware that fiction is often implausible but it should not be so far out as to insult the reader and this is what this book does. At least for me.

The book is overly long. This story could (and should) have been told in half the space Pears took to tell it. At least that would have cut down on the boredom a bit. Only sheer determination and willpower allowed me to finish this book.

Pears has written some really first rate art history mysteries. They are fun and enjoyable to read, but in my opinion, he failed miserable with An Instance of the Fingerpost.

Rating:
Summary: A Fascinating Glimpse of Restoration England
Review: I absolutely loved this book, a historical murder mystery set in Oxford England around 1663, shortly after Charles II's restoration to the throne. Pears weaves actual historical figures like John Locke, John Thurloe, Anthony Wood, Richard Lower and John Wallis with a great cast of fictional characters and sets in motion a compelling whodunit, with numerous interesting sideplots involving political intrigue, the British conflict between Protestants and Catholics, medical research and the efforts of 17th century physicians to understand the circulatory system, etc.

The novel consists of four accounts of the same time period, supposedly written by a visiting Venetian Cola, a young Gentlemen Prestcott, mathematician John Wallis, and historian Anthony Wood. The latter two characters are actual historical figures. Each of the four accounts takes place mostly in Oxford, and all deal in some fashion with the death, by poisoning, of Dr. Robert Grove. I thought Cola's narrative was the most entertaining, as he was a foreigner and his observations of British customs effectively set the scene. I loved Cola's observation of British theater when he saw a performance of King Lear, and his medical tour of the countryside with Dr. Lower was a tour de force.

Nothing is ever as it seems in the book, since each successive narrative uncovers some inaccuracies in prior accounts, or at least suggests alternate theories to explain the same events. We are never quite sure what happened to Dr. Grove, nor do we understand why Sarah Blundy claimed she was guilty of murdering him, until the last account by Wood, the "Instance of the Fingerpost" which reveals the truth. John Wallis' narrative was perhaps the most bizarre, as Wallis was adept at breaking codes and siphoning out conspiracies, and he saw political intrigue, assassination and treason virtually everywhere he looked, (sometimes without any basis in fact). Prestcott, author of the second narrative, is driven by a desire to clear his dead father's name of treason allegations that forced the Royalist hero into hiding. He is vain, proud, and self-righteous, and as in each of the four accounts you never forget the identity of your narrator since Pears does a wonderful job of changing styles and remaining true to his characters.

Overall, the while embroiling yourself in Pears' multi-layered story, you receive a thoughtful history lesson at the same time almost without realizing it. I wish I had known earlier of the existence of a list of characters at the end of the book, which gave a brief synopsis of their accomplishments and which mentioned their fictional or non-fictional status, since there are many people to remember and some characters who play minor roles in one account become much more important in others. I had a hard time keeping the characters' identities straight in my head until I stumbled across the list at the back. Pears also provides a helpful timeline at the end, setting forth key dates and events in 17th century English history. Overall, this is a very informative and intelligent thriller, a cross between Charles Dickens, Umberto Eco and Charles Palliser. Highly recommended.