An epic tale of two psychiatrists at the begining of the 1900's. The historical context was interesting and carefully explained. The pace and interest was maintained throughout the book and the characters were well developed. It certainly felt well researched, although I'm no expert . A good, but not a light, read. ( )

I found this story dragged on too long. Started off well but got tiresome in the end. ( )

I did not particularly love or enjoy this book, but I admired it greatly. I was awestruck by Faulks's ability to accumulate a vast amount of historical scientific knowledge and build around it the story of the lives of two fictional characters, one English and one French, who set out with the bold ambition of curing madness. ( )

Extremly thought-provoking, and sometimes heart wrenching, amazing read. I was thoroughly gripped from beginning to end by this book, as it traced the careers of two well-described and easily-imaginable characters and those around them. Many historical insights into past attitudes towards the mind set within a emotional story. I thoroughly recommend this book.

There's no point in writing a review about just HOW good a writer Faulks is. The word on this fellow has long been out. But I am amazed to see just how deep and wide his toolbox is.

This book just hits the ground running in a way that reminded me of T.C. Boyle, Michael Ondaatje and the late great Robertson Davies. Yeah, he's THAT good.

The puzzle for me is why he is also the new James Bond novelist. I'm quite sure this will be the best written and possibly most intricate Bond novel ever - but I'm not sure this isn't a little like killing the proverbial gnat with a howitzer. Which book of proverbs had howitzers? In any case, it will gets the job done but it's probably a bit of overkill.

I suspect a truckload of money and some fan-boy idolatry were involved.

- Barney Dannelke ( )