This was amazing!!!! ( )

The name and the format of the book were off-putting. It presents a story from multiple points of view that don't always agree with each other. This is a book that rewards patience, but doesn't give clear cut answers. So don't start this book if you want a tidy ending. Yes, it's a bit meta, but that doesn't mean it's not enjoyable. ( )

Nos hallamos en Inglaterra, hacia el 1736. Una noche, a la posada de una aldea del sur del país llegan cinco viajeros: dos que se hacen pasar por tío y sobrino, sus dos criados -Farthing y el sordomudo Dick- y la doncella. Contra lo acostumbrado, los viajeros exigen una habitación especial para la doncella y le hacen subir la cena. Esta doncella concebirá una hija, que se llamará Ann Lee...

«A Maggot» by John Fowles is definitely a difficult novel to read. The epilogue reveals that it is partly a historical novel, but the novel itself gives no clues. The setting in 1736 and the sheer obscurity of the historical character means the reader has no idea. Besides, the reader is as much in the dark about the circumstances of the murder as the lawyer who conducts the depositions of all the witnesses, none of whom actually witnessed the murder but were the victim's travel companions. This appeal on the willingness of the reader to keep on reading in a tale that diverges rather than converges is straining. The discomfort is compounded by the tiring style and references to the early Eighteenth Century. Altogether a very tiresome book. ( )

Ever since reading [The Collector] for a school assignment I've had a soft spot forJohn Fowles writing. The style drawing from letters and interviews, the lack of resolution and just beautiful writing all made this a thoroughly enjoyable read. ( )