The Somnambulist (alkuperäinen julkaisuvuosi 2007; vuoden 2008 painos)

An interesting pot-pourri of ideas and characters that wouldn’t be out of place in Victorian penny-dreadfuls pulp magazines. The result is a fast moving series of adventures and puzzles that reflects the twist and turns of London’s gas-lit streets. Unfortunately the characters are never really developed and it does come across as trying to be a little bit too hard to be clever which gets in the way of the narrative. ( )

A very good novel. I loved the characters a lot. But it was difficult to read, I don't know why... it took me a good month, and I can read a short book like this in two days. So I am not sure if it was be, being too busy, or the novel. So I will try again with another novel by the same author, later on. I bet it's just my new job. ;) ( )

Really freakin' weird, but in a good way. ( )

For my early reviewer copy I was sent what seemed a photocopied binder instead of an actual book so I never really read this. It was my first ER book and I had no idea what to make of it, and I've never encountered the situation again. I have no idea what the publisher was thinking. I finally got the audiobook through my library so I've started listening to this, if nothing else so I can check it off my ER list.

From the start, however, I do not think this is going to be a book for me. Maybe it would have been back in 2007. Now, however, when I hear the opening that other people seem intrigued by - "Be warned. This book has no literary value whatsoever. It is a lurid piece of nonsense, convoluted, implausible, peopled by unconvincing characters, written in drearily pedestrian prose, frequently ridiculous and willfully bizarre. Needless to say, I doubt you'll believe a word of it." - I feel compelled to believe it. It seems like a literary version of negging. Like, ok, you're going to tell me this so I feel compelled to read and prove you wrong? What if I just take your word for it and stop now?

Moving on, in the first chapter I'm already annoyed because a fat person is *obviously* an evil disgusting person. Sigh. Then we have "bearded ladies" as freaks, and Chinese people simpering and running opium dens. Greaaaat. ( )

Jonathan Barnes' brilliant debut novel, The Somnambulist, chronicles the late Victorian-era adventures of a legendary magician-cum-detective Edward Moon and his mute, hulking, hairless sidekick, known only as the Somnambulist. The two investigate a series of bizarre murders, meet a cadre of eccentrics, and involve themselves in several strange incidents that culminate in a plot to destroy and remake London.

The unreliable, unnamed narrator, who frequently raves like a madman, issues a warning in the very first chapter: "This book has no literary merit whatsoever. It is a lurid piece of nonsense, convoluted, implausible, peopled by unconvincing characters, written in drearily pedestrian prose, frequently ridiculous and wilfully bizarre. Needless to say, I doubt you'll believe a word of it." The preamble is true but for the "pedestrian prose." Barnes crafts one of the finest first novels of the young century, creating an exciting, memorable book peopled with cultists, prostitutes, circus freaks, the undead, albinos, poets, time travelers, assassins, Lovecraftian creatures, and almost every Victorian-type nefarious nasty conceived. The title figure offers an enigmatic yet sympathetic figure who communicates through (poorly spelled) words scribbled on a small chalkboard, does not bleed or feel pain, and displays an intense, inexplicable loyalty to Moon. Truly surprising plot twists and red herrings abound. Through character actions, scene descriptions, and the mention of a scant few historical facts, Barnes successfully conjures the period without divulging dates. Until the final act when the narrator cleverly reveals himself, the author presents one of the finest occult thrillers ever. After veering dangerously close to the absurd, the story ultimately concludes with a lyrically obtuse ending that creates confusion rather than clarity.

Even with that flaw, the engaging ride of The Somnambulist offers enough thrills to distract from the ending. Or perhaps, just as Jonathan Barnes' narrator deceives in the narrative, this reviewer misdirects as well? Read The Somnambulist and decide for yourself.

This review originally appeared in The Austin Chronicle, February 1, 2008. ( )