A recreation of London in 1782 shows how ancient beliefs came into conflict with the growth of science, chonicling the life and death of a huge Irishman who plans to make a fortune through his immense size.

A strange and fragmented novel which makes for a challenging read.

Sent as a RABCK to fellow bookcrosser WormyOne.

I was so confused when I first opened this package. I didn't remember going on a ring/ray for this book or another BCer promising it to me. Then I entered the BCID and saw that it was a RABCK of a book from my wish list. How wonderful! You've made my day.

Hilary Mantel shows us the London of the poor in the 18th century – a world where no-one shows any interest in another’s welfare unless they think they can profit by it and all are trapped by their circumstances to a short life of drudgery and desperation after which their bodies are stolen by grave-robbers (should they be lucky enough to be buried) for surgeons to buy illegally and dissect. It took me a little while to get into it as her technique is to launch into the tale without introducing the characters or the circumstances so that the reader has to work stuff out for themselves. But about a quarter of the way in, I became hooked. It’s fascinating, macabre and sad.

RELEASE NOTES:

In the waiting room, on the magazines just after midday.