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I think if it did have a synopsis it would be simply this "the story of a boy who becomes a man - in a field of rakes". You know this image from cartoons -- the unfortunate character steps one direction onto a rake that snaps up and nails him in the face and when he turns to go another direction, another rake is there to hit him in the nose again. This book was 787 pages of agony. And yet --- I would read it again. I know, what am I thinking, right? But the book was thoroughly engaging and though you knew the worst would happen -- because it kept happening -- you hoped in each situation that this would be the time that it worked out for young John Huffam. But sadly, there would be 400 pages left with no story and so it continued through the whole book.
The Quincunx, by the way, is the five-pieced symbol on the cover of the book. It represents the five families that are players in the story.
Who would I recommend this book to? Anyone with a lot of patience for misery, an interest in the less-fortunates of 19th century London or the desire to completely escape into another era for a week or two as this book is quite a long read.
Until next time,
K
Buy The Quincunx
I tried to leave a comment earlier but my internet went down. I've lost my train of thought, but wanted to say (more or less) that I've owned this book for a really long time. I love anything Victorian, so I must get it out and read it sometime (I was going to say soon, but better to say sooner or later--LOL).
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