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The basic structure of the novel is Prologue, narrated by a publisher, Testimony of Gideon Mack, narrated by GM himself, Epilogue, narrated by the publisher. The question is, who to believe?
The Bookworms found lots to discuss so it was a good read from that point of view.
Some comments:
Found it weird, mystical & prosaic. The more I got into it the more I liked the ambiguity of it all. An interesting read.
Once started, I just couldn’t put it down. I found it very enjoyable with so many different layers. But lots that was bizarre and that I didn’t fully understand. Ought to read again.
Very interesting. Found it impossible to make notes and no opportunity to re-read. The main character to be very deceitful which I found annoying. So much did not make sense – why marry Jenny & not Elsie?
Hated the main character and had no sympathy for him. Too long and the style was not engaging. Not happy with the Satan storyline – too twee and forced. Wouldn’t read again.
Chore to read. Too long and self-indulgent. Too many contradictions. How could GM believe in the Devil by not believe in God?
Where does the truth lie in the novel? You need some solid ground to stand on and I thought that the truth lay in the Epilogue and Prologue and not in the Testament of GM.
The devil is described in the bible as “The Father of Lies” so I didn’t trust GM to always tell the truth.
The whole book wrong foots you – lacks coherence. A strange mix of the ordinary and superstition, folklore, and religion.
The stone story – A minister who doesn’t believe in God – GM’s relationships – His narrative about the Black Jaws - all not convincing.
The Testament of Gideon Mack was a testament of lies covered over with enough truth to leave you perplexed.
Guardian Review here
The Bookworms found lots to discuss so it was a good read from that point of view.
Some comments:
Found it weird, mystical & prosaic. The more I got into it the more I liked the ambiguity of it all. An interesting read.
Once started, I just couldn’t put it down. I found it very enjoyable with so many different layers. But lots that was bizarre and that I didn’t fully understand. Ought to read again.
Very interesting. Found it impossible to make notes and no opportunity to re-read. The main character to be very deceitful which I found annoying. So much did not make sense – why marry Jenny & not Elsie?
Hated the main character and had no sympathy for him. Too long and the style was not engaging. Not happy with the Satan storyline – too twee and forced. Wouldn’t read again.
Chore to read. Too long and self-indulgent. Too many contradictions. How could GM believe in the Devil by not believe in God?
Where does the truth lie in the novel? You need some solid ground to stand on and I thought that the truth lay in the Epilogue and Prologue and not in the Testament of GM.
The devil is described in the bible as “The Father of Lies” so I didn’t trust GM to always tell the truth.
The whole book wrong foots you – lacks coherence. A strange mix of the ordinary and superstition, folklore, and religion.
The stone story – A minister who doesn’t believe in God – GM’s relationships – His narrative about the Black Jaws - all not convincing.
The Testament of Gideon Mack was a testament of lies covered over with enough truth to leave you perplexed.
Guardian Review here