a remarkable and mysterious first novel,
elegantly written and vividly characterized
a striking testament to the power of the
imagination.
head and shoulders above the current run of
ancient historical novels
wit, philosophy, poetry, eroticism and
memorable characters
in a class of its own
timeless and
timely, at once a chilling page-turner and a thought-provoking inquiry into the
true nature of evil and the dangers of suppressing the imagination.
altogether
brilliant
part mystery, part
fantasy, but weighing in with the literary resonance of something more
profound. A meticulous piece of narrative imagination
a dazzling effort
a level of skill
that far outclasses many veteran thriller fictionists
a writing voice
not to be missed.
an absolutely
extraordinary performance
the sort of
completely realized novel around which a career is made.
a suave, daring and unflaggingly
entertaining story-teller
a seductive mixture of historical fact,
redemptive philosophy and wildly imaginative fiction
unquestionably a
tour de force
Pulp Fiction meets
George Orwell's Animal Farm
combines talents
for mystery and imagination and a furious narrative drive, as well as an
unexpected metaphysical concern with the current human condition
can stand strong
comparisons: like Fielding in Shamela, Twain in A Connecticut Yankee at the
Court of King Arthur and Orwell in Animal Farm.
No, it's not him or him or him, definitely not him ....not her or even her –
step forward Anthony O'Neill, otherwise known as Cornelius Kane, the author of four extraordinary novels: Scherezade, The Lamplighter, The Empire of Eternity, The Unscratchables. Any one of these should have made his name among Australian readers. Why hasn't it? Gert is invariably met with blank looks when she mentions his name to her reading friends. She once wrote to Ramona Koval suggesting Books and Writing feature this remarkable writer. No answer came the stern reply.
Do yourself a favour and get to know him.
