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Binding: Paperback
EAN: 9780571232765
ISBN: 0571232760
Label: Faber and Faber
Manufacturer: Faber and Faber
Number Of Pages: 352
Publication Date: June 19, 2008
Publisher: Faber and Faber
Studio: Faber and Faber

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Rating: - Another disappointed reader
I started enthusiastically enough - after reading the back cover and normally loving historical novels I thought this would be a book to relish. The initial descriptions of London were powerful and enthralling but I might as well have stopped after the first dozen pages as it degenerated into a weak plotted, characterless but "nasty" little book. If I wanted to read about drug addicts and animal torturers but don't enjoy following a plot that is at least believable I would have been chuffed with ... Read More

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Rating: - Don't judge a book...
This book starts well enough...and of course the cover is good too! The problem which becomes more apparent as the book goes on, is that there is not enough substance to the characters. If we don't understand what is going on in their minds (and during some of the long time gaps between chapters), how could we possibly care Gabriel Swift or what he does in London or Australia?

I can think of many better ways to spend time than reading this book!

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Rating: - Really Hardgoing!
I wish I had read all these reviews before I bought this book. I very very rarely give up on a book, but I am in "grave" danger of not finishing this one, and I hate doing that.
I think the author has tried too hard with his narrative, the prose is wordy, and doesn't get anywhere. If I read the phrase "for a long moment" again, I will throw the book out of the window.
I was looking forward to reading this book, but what a disappointment. I am not getting involved with the story or the ... Read More

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Rating: - It's not as bad as all that!
Gabriel Swift is an orphan who is sent to London by his guardian, in order to learn about anatomy and surgery from the eminent Mr Poll. Gabriel is unsettled and largely unable to connect with those around him , but he does manage to form a companionship with Charles, another surgeon, who introduces him to the seamier side of London life. Gabriel also becomes acquainted with Lucan, a charismatic and dangerous resurrectionist, who seems to be able to blackmail and intimidate many of those he comes into ... Read More

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Rating: - I give up!
After two attempts to get into this book, reading it twice from the beginning, I give up! I thought I would try something different to my usual read and was drawn to the book's setting and fancied a bit of gore! However, the plot is weak, it takes so long to get off the ground and you are left flicking through it to find the next bit of gore that the book allegedly promises!

The worst thing about it is the characters. I thought I was being a bit dense at first for getting confused with ... Read More

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