Iain Pears and "An Instance Of The Fingerpost"

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Has anyone read this? It is a novel set in 1663 written as though it were the recollections of four people who see the same events from different perspectives. I like it because I wuv the 17th century, but I was very pleased with the way the author plays on modern and 17th century perceptions and attitudes, but also the way the resolution is completely bonkers in a manner that only 17th century people would take seriously.

If you have read this book, did you ever try any of his others? They look like lamer smartarse detective fiction.

― DV (dirtyvicar), Monday, 31 January 2005 19:46 (twenty years ago)

Yep enjoyed "An Instance of the Fingerpost" immensely. Loved the way that he used the different perspectives of the four narrators to portray the same action in four completely different ways. And like yourself, I found it amusing that the fourth "True" narrative was the least convincing to a "rational" mind.

In regards to his other works most are detective art fiction, but if you are looking for his more serious work, try the Dream of Scipio. A story about a philosophical text which is written by a Roman in the South of France as the barbarians approach and the subsequent owners of the text - a French poet troubadour and an author and academic during the German occupation. A contemplation of individuals and their actions in times of societal upheavals and collapse.

― oblomov, Monday, 31 January 2005 22:20 (twenty years ago)

I really liked An Instance of the Fingerpost and had to have more historical fiction after. The Name of the Rose, The Crimson Petal and the White, Year of Wonders... Of course, the last two aren't mysteries but were quite enjoyable.

I've been meaning to read Dream of Scipio for a while now.

― Vermont Girl (Vermont Girl), Tuesday, 1 February 2005 17:57 (twenty years ago)

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