The reviews for The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton offer a mix of praise and criticism. Critics commend its intricate plot and detailed historical setting in 1860s New Zealand, highlighting Catton's ambitious storytelling and rich character development. However, some find the novel's complex structure and length challenging, potentially detracting from reader engagement.

Ideal for readers who relish intricate narratives and richly detailed historical fiction, The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton appeals to fans of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke and The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. With a complex cast and a plot structured around astrological charts, it suits those who appreciate literary puzzles and Victorian-era settings.

The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton follows Walter Moody, a young Scotsman who arrives in Hokitika, New Zealand, in 1866 during the gold rush, where he becomes embroiled in a mystery involving a suspicious death, a disappearance, and a cache of gold. As Moody helps unravel the complex tale, the narrative reveals the interwoven lives of diverse townsfolk and employs astrological motifs to explore themes of fortune, identity, and societal conflict. The novel contains derogatory terms and depictions of drug use, violence, and suicide.

Eleanor Catton

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read The Luminaries | SuperSummary

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Overview

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The Luminaries Summary

Background

The Luminaries Background

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section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “A Sphere Within a Sphere”

Part 1 The Luminaries Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Auguries”

Part 2 The Luminaries Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The House of Self-Undoing”

Part 3 The Luminaries Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Paenga-wha-wha”

Part 4 The Luminaries Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Weight and Lucre” - Part 6: “The Window and the Weeds”

Parts 5-6

The Luminaries Parts 5-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Domicile”

Parts 7-12

The Luminaries Parts 7-12 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Luminaries Character Analysis

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Themes

The Luminaries Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Luminaries Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Luminaries Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Luminaries Essay Topics

The Luminaries

Before You Read

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Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Luminaries?

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