Banville at his wicked best. ( )

I enjoyed this book even though there isn't much of a discernable plot. The parts are better than the whole. Filled with references, Literary, Biblical and more it rewards the avid reader. ( )

Just too weird for me although I know the writing is smooth, prosaic, and sometimes even interesting. Several characters come together at a place each bringing some history: an convict recently released, the son of a famous scientist whose theory has changed the world making all math and physics outdated and unproven, his wife, and a man charged with writing the biography of the dead scientist. The book held me for a while - too far to let go, but really, why did I waste my time. Probably just not a smart enough or careful enough reader for this. ( )

A man calling himself Felix Mordaunt has recently been released from prison after serving a sentence for murder. He returns to his former home in the Irish countryside, which is now owned by the Godley family. The family’s patriarch, Adam Godley, now deceased, was a famous scientist. Felix finagles his way into the household. He interacts with the homeowners, household staff, and another stranger who arrives soon afterward. The two interlopers have their own agendas.

The story is told in alternating points of view. The writing is intellectual and is focused on the characters. It is not for anyone looking for a conventional plot. There are elements of revenge, redemption, and quantum theory, a bit of an odd combination. It starts out well enough but gets more scattered and disjointed as it goes along. There are apparently characters from previous of Banville’s books. I am not sure how much it helps to have read them, but I have not. This book contains beautiful prose, but I found it slow and uneven. ( )

The Singularities by John Banville is a recommended multilayered literary novel from a revered wordsmith. This one is for those who love literary writing by a true wordsmith.

A murderer recently released from prison, now calls himself Felix Mordaunt. He returns to returns to his childhood home, Arden House, where the descendants of Adam Godley, a legendary scientist, currently lives. Mordaunt becomes a part of the household working as a driver and servant. Soon another stranger joins the household with his own agenda. As the two compete for favor, they uncover each other's secrets. The narrative continues to move from one point of view to another. Characters from previous novels are revisited, alternative universes are explored, and the normal boundaries are gone.

Readers can expect beautiful, intelligent writing with clear literary references. Let me be clear, the writing, the careful crafting of sentences, is the draw, the allure of The Singularities for me. The atmospheric (and often scattered) story is one of redemption, nostalgia, life, death, and quantum theory. It is obvious that there is no clear plot in sight. The novel started out promising and then went downhill fast until it was simply the well crafted sentences and descriptions that held my attention. I'm sorry, but I need some plot.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Knopf Doubleday via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2022/10/the-singularities.html ( )