After reading the reviews I prepared for the worst but kept an open mind. After reading the first few pages, I could see where the negatives were coming from and figured that I'd try to get through it in one sitting rather than prolong it. I strongly advise doing the same; the story moves and does eventually build, a little like a B movie as the main character "boinks every women he meets" (as noted by another reviewer :) ). It's clear that Palliser was taking an artistic approach to the novel and that the style and lack of details are deliberate. I'm no expert but I'm sure he accomplished what he set out to do and there's no lack of writing skill involved. It's different; it's not the Quincunx, and not for everyone, but I enjoyed it. ( )

Well-written, but not really my kind of thing. Very different from The Quincunx and The Unburied. My favourite Charles Palliser remains Betrayals. ( )