An Instance of the Fingerpost

[Darkstar]

For once the blurb on the back of the book didn't lie - I couldn't put it down, it may even be a tour de force.

Set in late 17th century Oxford, this ingenious novel sets out four views of the same events. Who is telling the truth? What are their motives? What really happened?

While reading this I was impressed both with the skill of the plotting and narrative, and with the enormous depth of research that has gone into the book. It's a historical detective story, a political thriller, both of these and more. It's a great read.

[gg106]

I have to agree with you. What a fantastic read.
On another thread about this (which maybe a moderator could find and merge with this one) people said that it was too long winded and repetitive as the same story s told from four different perspectives.

This is very misleading. The four characters tell of events during the same time priod but in no way is any of it repetitive.

This book is rich in all the things that make a good book. Gripping plot, good quality writing, excellent characters, rich descriptions.

Read it.

[Stewart]

people said that it was too long winded and repetitive as the same story s told from four different perspectives.

Whoever they were need to read In A Bamboo Grove by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, the story which no doubt inspired Pears to write An Instance Of The Fingerpost.

[gg106]

Just read a synopsis of 'In a Bamboo Grove'. Can see what you mean about the inspiration coming from this. Pears' interpretation is different as the focus of each account is not always the murder - some of the narrators just mention the murder 'in passing' as their own 'story' is, they feel, more important and tha murder is just another thing that 'happens'. Alos it would appear that Pears' book is far longer!!

[Viccie]

Brilliant book. The different viewpoints were absolutely necessary to build up the story so that the reader gradually saw all the different 'truths' of each narrator and eventually found out what happened. However after several years I can still remember feeling distinctly squeamish about the experiments. A strong stomach is needed for some sections.

[Stewart]

Also it would appear that Pears' book is far longer!!
Quite. In A Bamboo Grove a six or seven page short story, yet it tells everyone's take on the story, including the ghost of the victim. It was filmed by Akira Kurosawa way back in the day as Rashōmon, the title coming from another Akutugawa short story.

[megustaleer]

On another thread about this (which maybe a moderator could find and merge with this one) people said that it was too long winded and repetitive as the same story s told from four different perspectives. There are a few comments along those line on the 'Currently Reading' thread, but there is no other thread anywhere that is devoted to this book.
You may have been remembering comments from this thread posted during the 14months that we lost because of The Crash in the spring.

[Royal Rother]

I found it pretty tedious; attempting to be too clever by half (for me anyway!).

I really couldn't care what happened to any of them and gave up about half-way through. It is the only book I can think of that I have started and never finished.

[Jen]

I really couldn't care what happened to any of them and gave up about half-way through.
Likewise. Although I'm more prone to giving up than RR.