Book Review: The Quickening Maze by Adam Foulds

The Quickening Maze by Adam Foulds

The book group found the writing overly descriptive and, at times, difficult to read. The general feeling was that Foulds was trying too hard stylistically. He clearly has talent, but it still feels as though it needs further development.

The novel explores several interesting themes, including gypsies, the lives of poets, and the treatment of the mentally ill in Victorian England. However, despite these promising elements, the story itself does not really go anywhere.

The Quickening Maze was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize.

Book group rating: 3½ out of 5