Murder and intrigue at the monastery (Dissolution - C.J. Sansom)

Member Name: laukez

Product:	Dissolution - C.J. Sansom
Date:	03/09/09 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Readable and enjoyable

Disadvantages: None

I've just finished reading this book and have to say I found it to be a very enjoyable a read. First off I must say it's not usually my type of thing - crime/historical/murder mystery type things aren't and this book has elements of all of these. However, having read the last book of the series in desperation having run out of books on holiday last year and having it donated, I really enjoyed that one so thought I would give the rest of the series a go.

The story introduces the character of Matthew Shardlake, a lawyer who finds himself in the favour of Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII's right hand man in 1537 when the book is set. After the murder of the king's comissioner Singleton at Scarnsea monastery where he has been sent to attempt to enforce its dissolution Shardlake is sent to investigate. The investigation becomes increasingly complex against the setting of the monastery as every monk and member of staff seem to have their own motive. As the body count rises Shardlake is drawn further into the complex web of monastery life and the corruptions of the time.

So, that's a very breif summation of the plot. I really don't wish to give away the ending or the plot twists, but these are good and well written by Sansom. I've never been good at solving mysteries in books and this one was no exception - it kept me guessing right to the end.

I normally avoid historical novels as their protrayal of their chosen time is often shaky and the facts inaccurate. I was dubious about reading this one having studied the dissolution, and also being Roman Catholic I find authors are often lazy about the religion. Sansom, however, brilliantly evoked the atmosphere of threat and malice surrounding the time of the refomation under Henry VIII, and I could find no faults to pick in his historical accuracy. It seems he has done his research well and produced a better novel for it.

The characters are richly created with Shardlake being the most prominent and best drawn of the lot as a self-aware and passionate man with a shrewd manner who is far from perfect. Some of the monks' characters are also well done - Brother Edwig who hides is manic fanaticism under his love of order and balance and Gabriel who seems gentle and kind but who has been found to be breaking his vows is sypathetically done. The monks' names can become a little confusing as many are similar but there is a guide printed at the front of the book to help, along with a map of the monastery which helps you to make sense of Shardlake's exploration of the monastery.

Conclusion

Overall, I found this to be a satisfying read with a strong plot, good charcaters and a brilliantly evoked atmosphere. Sansom handles his subject well and produces a readable and enjoyable novel. It's no Booker prize winner as it is fairly unoriginal - but sometimes that's not what you want from a book if you are looking for an easy read.

Summary: A good murder mystery with a bit of history thrown in