Items related to The Lightning Cage
When Christopher Bayliss abandons Rome, he returns to England determined to be cleansed forever of the contagion of religion. But his research into an obscure 18th-century poet, Richard Pelham, reintroduces into his life those same ghostly whispers and rumours he thought he'd silenced for good.
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Review:
In this sophisticated, complex and oddly moving novel, Alan Wall presents the reader with studies of two men: Christopher Bayliss, the present-day protagonist, and Richard Pelham, the 18th century poet and object of Bayliss's study. It is this double narrative, the second of which is refracted through the interpretative curiosity of Bayliss, that makes this novel such a subtle meditation on contemporary life, while at the same time augmenting the book's pace and rhythm. Wall's cleverly constructed work affords the pleasure of two interwoven stories that are both absorbing and compelling, as well as offering material for more profound reflection.
Christopher Bayliss is a man who has renounced his religious studies and abandoned his thesis, and we are witness to his defection from the world of the mind to the material pleasures of the business world. But Bayliss, like many of the characters in the contemporary part of the book, is seen to have withdrawn from any real engagement with the world, and with life. His lover, Alice, a gifted painter, is almost somnambulistic in her passivity, but nevertheless discerns in Bayliss a deep disengagement with life. She at least has her art; he in turn has drawn back from almost all avenues of self- definition. Richard Pelham, on the other hand, is revealed as man almost too sensitised to the world around him, to the point of putative insanity--and it is between these two poles of engagement and withdrawal that the book oscillates, carefully counterpointing a subtext that explores the mythologies of artistic genius, responses to mental instability and the ways in which people direct or succumb to their lives.
Wall deploys subtle shifts in stylistic register between the two narratives to good effect. The material of the two lives is echoed in the prose used to recount them; what results is a work that combines literary complexity and narrative drive without sacrificing either. --Burhan Tufail
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- PublisherVintage
- Publication date2000
- ISBN 10 0099289539
- ISBN 13 9780099289531
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages300
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The Lightning Cage
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Vintage Publishing, United Kingdom, London
(2000)
ISBN 10: 0099289539
ISBN 13: 9780099289531
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. When Christopher Bayliss abandons Rome, he returns to England determined to be cleansed forever of the contagion of religion. But his research into an obscure 18th-century poet, Richard Pelham, reintroduces into his life those same ghostly whispers and rumours he thought he'd silenced for 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 # GOR004073580
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Book Description Condition: Very Good. Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp. Bundled media such as CDs, DVDs, floppy disks or access codes may not be included. Seller Inventory # S11N--01304
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The Lightning Cage
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Vintage 03/08/2000
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ISBN 10: 0099289539
ISBN 13: 9780099289531
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Book Description 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 # 7719-9780099289531
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Used; Good. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Seller Inventory # CHL1049030
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Used; Acceptable. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. The book is perfectly readable and fit for use, although it shows signs of previous ownership. The spine is likely creased and the cover scuffed or slightly torn. Textbooks will typically have an amount of underlining and/or highlighting, as well as notes. If this book is over 5 years old, then please expect the pages to be yellowing or to have age spots. Seller Inventory # CHL9549405
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Book Description Condition: Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A tan to the page edges/pages. Seller Inventory # wbb0021095165
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The Lightning Cage
Published by
Vintage 03/08/2000
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ISBN 10: 0099289539
ISBN 13: 9780099289531
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Book Description Condition: Very Good. Shipped within 24 hours from our UK warehouse. Clean, undamaged book with no damage to pages and minimal wear to the cover. Spine still tight, in very good condition. Remember if you are not happy, you are covered by our 100% money back guarantee. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780099289531
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Used; Good. ***Simply Brit*** Welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there is something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality. Seller Inventory # 1224885
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Book Description Condition: Very Good. 2000. New. Paperback. Good clean copy with minor shelf wear. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland. Seller Inventory # KSS0000622
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Book Description Condition: Very Good. 2000. New. Paperback. Good clean copy with minor shelf wear. . . . . Seller Inventory # KSS0000622
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