Man Booker Update:
Finished The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton. Like I said, a long book! Set in 19th Century New Zealand, a man called Walter Moody arrives at Hokitika eager to escape his old life in Scotland and earn his fortune from the gold-rush. He comes into a private meeting between 11 gentleman who are all anxious to solve a series of misfortunate events: a man is found dead, a woman is found stumbling in a drugged out haze and is deemed to have been suicidal whilst a digger has mysteriously disappeared. Their own accounts include their loathing and distrust belong to one Francis Carver who had captained the boat on which Moody travelled on.
Out of all 6 books this is the one that is a proper story and is a well written piece of crime fiction. However it peters out rather drabbly in the end.
I have really enjoyed it this year but I hope that the bookies favourite, Harvest (Jim Crace) does not win. I think it should go to The Testament of Mary. Watch this space!