Shocking, brutal, modern folk tale

A tale spread across multiple generations of residents of a fire of enlightenment which builds in chaptered waves.

There are some incredibly detailed scenes of violence throughout and I can empathise with reviews that didn't listen to the conclusion.

However the narrative also twinkles with a crisp humour at points particularly when describing then central relationship between michael and his sister.

Discussing themes on freewill with very distinctly unpleasant characters who do make me hope that the weight is leant towards culpability and consequence for the actor's choices, the final conclusion is very much handed back to the audience.

if you have experienced any abuse i would very much warn there may be some triggering passages here.

The themes are very greek at points.

The story telling and interwoven textures are worth getting to the final gallery scene and mick's sister certainly shines, particularly with respect to lightsr ownership.

Glad to have listened and am much looking forward to a retrospective read.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

Gorgeous

This was an epic story, full of humour, philosophical pondering and poignancy.
Well worth the 60 hour investment!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Narration perfection

Simon Vance has narrated this epic story to perfection. It was a pleasure listening to this story.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

All human life is here.

The history of the universe, and a lot else besides, bound up in a phantasmagorical saunter round the streets of Northampton. Why this didn't win every literary prize going is beyond me.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

like and epic journey - long and often boring

Some genuinely fantastic writing and an intriguing plot but ultimately the length was not justified and an entire section I could not understand due to the accented language used.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Fabulous narrator

Fabulous narrator, the man is a master of tone and accent. A worthy reader for this awe striking book.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Jerusalem

Have just finished Jerusalem! Absolutely incredible, I honestly don't think I'll ever look at my hometown in the same way, again. Some books were tougher than others and for some reason I found the last two chapters of Book Six a struggle, nevertheless, highly recommended, thoroughly enjoyed every bit! Top marks Mr.Moore

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

A glorious mythology

Alan Moore's behemoth, Jerusalem, is to Northampton what Joyce's Ulysses is to Dublin, or what Alasdair Gray's Lanark is to Glasgow. Namely, a richly imagined personal mythology. It's length may seem intimidating, but the personal cosmology Moore creates out of the chaotic kaldescopic lives of the Boroughs denezins, woven together as it is by the rich history of Northampton, makes for a very rewarding read.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Well worth the time

This was SO fun and unhinged, I absolutely loved it. I found the fantasy stuff in the middle to be a bit of a lull but I think that's just personal taste -- the modernist stuff around the edges is just fantastic. My advice to anyone struggling with the more experimental sections is just to let it wash over you, you'll be surprised how much gets through. Simon Vance reads beautifully as ever. This is definitely worth the time investment, I'm really glad I did it in audiobook format.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Had to finish !!

I enjoyed this even though it was quite confusing in parts and I’m afraid part 5 became too much so I never finished it!! However the last part brings the whole saga together. On the whole ok but maybe a bit too long for the point it was making

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!