The End Of Mr. Y

Scarlett Thomas

Jun 2008 · Canongate Books

About this ebook

'Ingenious and original' Philip Pullman If you knew a book was cursed, would you still read it? When Ariel Manto uncovers a copy of The End of Mr. Y in a second-hand bookshop, she can't believe her eyes. She knows enough about its author, the outlandish Victorian scientist Thomas Lumas, to know that copies are exceedingly rare. And, some say, cursed. With Mr. Y under her arm, Ariel finds herself thrust into a thrilling adventure of love, sex, death and time-travel.

Ratings and reviews

I love this book! It's an unusual story that reminds me of H. G. Wells' science fiction. There are complaints of the narrative seeming too long and rambling, but the detail and psychological depth is in the tradition of the kind of nineteenth century writing that is the focus of the plot and is not often seen in sci fi/thriller novels. This is not a quick read, but it stays with you after you finish.

A fine novel. Despite what others may feel.

About the author

Scarlett Thomas was born in London in 1972. Her novels include Bright Young Things, PopCo, Our Tragic Universe, The Seed Collectors and, most recently, Oligarchy. She is Professor of Creative Writing & Contemporary Fiction at the University of Kent.