From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of ‘The Hours’, time, technology and love are the central concerns of a provocative novel that calls to mind David Mitchell’s ‘Cloud Atlas’.
Lucas, Catherine, Simon: three characters meet time and again in the three linked narratives that form ‘Specimen Days’. The first, a science fiction of the past, tells of a boy whose brother was ‘devoured’ by the machine he operated. The second is a noirish thriller set in our century, as a police psychologist attempts to track down a group of terrorists. And the third and final strand accompanies two strange beings into the future.
A novel of connecting and reconnecting, inspired by the writings of the great visionary poet Walt Whitman, ‘Specimen Days’ is a genre-bending, haunting ode to life itself – a work of surpassing power and beauty by one of the most original and daring writers at work today.
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The various sections of the novel describe the same group of protagonists: a young boy, a young woman and an older man. But the treatment of these characters is strikingly varied from section to section, and the ambitions of the novel are jaw dropping. In the Machine is set during the industrial revolution, and balances the carefully examined pathology of its characters against supernatural elements. We are then taken to the early 21st century in The Children's Crusade which has a far grittier tone, with a terrorist group setting off bombs at random throughout the city. Finally, we are plunged 150 years into the future, when the city of New York is struggling to deal with the host of refugees from a planet that astronauts have reached.
All of these widely disparate narratives are united by the telling presence of the poet Walt Whitman, who acts as an anchor for the reader in a narrative that disorients as much as it stimulates. Not everyone will be able to accept the massive reach of Cunningham's novel, and the wrench between different time periods is certainly more shocking than that in The Hours. But for those willing to accept the new and challenging, Specimen Days is a masterful and visceral read. --Barry Forshaw
‘Intricately conceived, stylishly written and admirably ambitious, this absorbing novel lingers in the mind.’ Peter Parker, Sunday Times
‘“Specimen Days” contains more incidental beauty and emotional insight than many impeccably dull items on the shortlists of prestigious literary prizes. And it’s by far the best gothic historical sci-fi cop thriller you'll ever read.’ Michel Faber, Guardian
‘Cunningham’s conclusion is decidedly optimistic, if not utopian...And it is that abiding, dreamlike cinematic sweep of time – and our place within it – which makes “Specimen Days” an ultimately satisfying, richly rewarding and deeply enjoyable book.’ Philip Hoare, Sunday Telegraph
‘Thought-provoking.’ Independent
‘As a novel of ideas, “Specimen Days” manages to be both entertaining and moving...puzzling, thought-provoking and well worth having.’ Daily Telegraph
‘Like its namesake, this novel is a work of genius.’ Glasgow Herald
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR003347879
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Good. The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR002336016
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Specimen Days This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 7719-9780007193844
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780007193844
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Book Description Condition: Como nuevo. From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of ?The Hours?, time, technology and love are the central concerns of a provocative novel that calls to mind David Mitchell?s ?Cloud Atlas?. Lucas, Catherine, Simon: three characters meet time and again in the three linked narratives that form ?Specimen Days?. The first, a science fiction of the past, tells of a boy whose brother was ?devoured? by the machine he operated. The second is a noirish thriller set in our century, as a police psychologist attempts to track down a group of terrorists. And the third and final strand accompanies two strange beings into the future. A novel of connecting and reconnecting, inspired by the writings of the great visionary poet Walt Whitman, ?Specimen Days? is a genre-bending, haunting ode to life itself ? a work of surpassing power and beauty by one of the most original and daring writers at work today. EAN: 9780007193844 Tipo: Libros Categoría: Literatura y ficción| Ficción contemporánea Título: Specimen DaysAutor: Michael Cunningham Editorial: Fourth Estate (4 julio 2005) Idioma: EN Páginas: 320 Peso: 417 Año de publicación: 2005. Seller Inventory # BQ-5FLE-RILS