How do you even review a book like this. This 'poetic novel' totally defies any literary style I've ever read, and that's saying something. There is such poise and keenness in pace, driving us through the book's metamorphic soaring of the characters, versus themselves, versus a compelling setting, that the build-up and eventual pay-off left me totally satisfied. I'll be the first to admit it, even after finishing this book, I still don't know what it was supposed to be about, there's no visible plot, but the well-rounded characters and the brilliant writing( which is exceptional to say the least, it reads like a lucid-dream) make up for the lack of plot. But who needs plot anyway? Right?This is the first Adam Foulds I've read, it definitely won't be my last. What an odd book The Quickening Maze was!Though it was only 158 pages long, it took me five weeks and a library renewal to complete (which I am somewhat embarrassed to admit...). I found it to be a frustrating read, with fleeting moments of beautifully descriptive writing combined with a storyline which was not captivating in the least. It certainly wasn't a story that I felt excited or compelled to read.It was difficult at times to follow the story inside the minds of the characters with various mental health problems, and felt that the transition of the multiple personality disorder of John could have been more smoothly written. I also felt that the book overall lacked a focal point and character. The true elements of this historical fiction novel were around Alfred Tennyson and his family, and I would have appreciated more on this storyline. The ending was incredibly disappointing and inconclusive in my opinion.My recommendation would be to give this one a skip - I won't be reading another book from Adam Foulds after this experience with The Quickening Maze. Too bad, as I feel there is great potential in his writing.
What do You think about De Dwaaltuin (2009)?
Beautiful prose but just never became engaged... Shame really, I really wanted to like it more :(
—Marie
Well written but very dark and also disjointed and somewhat confusing. Not my type of book.
—cave
Beautiful writing. Not much happens. Point of view constantly shifting to no real end.
—njtp11894
