Company of Liars

Karen Maitland

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you love atmospheric historical fiction with a dark, suspenseful twist, "Company of Liars" is for you! Set during the Black Death in 1348, it immerses you in medieval England with rich detail - rain-soaked landscapes, superstition, and hardship leap off the page. The ragtag group of travelers, each with a juicy secret, keeps you guessing and turning pages. Fans of character-driven stories, gothic suspense, and those who appreciate a mix of history and a dash of the supernatural (think "The Decameron" meets a medieval road movie) will find plenty to enjoy here.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you’re looking for a fast-paced action novel or expect a straightforward retelling of "The Canterbury Tales," you may be disappointed. Some readers found the story’s pacing slow, with stretches of meandering introspection, and wished for a stronger connection to the plague itself. The ending, which veers into more supernatural territory, left several people unsatisfied or let down after such a strong buildup. If you prefer tightly plotted mysteries, wholly realistic historical fiction, or need to love every character, this might not be your cup of tea.

A dark, immersive blend of history and gothic mystery - uneven in places, but ultimately a haunting journey worth taking for fans of moody, character-driven tales. Just don’t expect all questions (or secrets) to be neatly tied up.

About:

In "Company of Liars" by Karen Maitland, the story unfolds during the outbreak of the Plague in England, following a group of nine strangers led by an elderly peddler named Camelot as they journey through the country to escape the pestilence. Each character has a dark secret that is gradually revealed, intertwining their lives and creating a sense of mystery and suspense. The narrative is rich in historical details, superstitions, and occult references, capturing the essence of the Middle Ages and the dangers of that era.

The book is a blend of historical fiction, mystery, horror, and fantasy elements, with a narrative reminiscent of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. As the characters navigate through medieval England, facing religious intolerance, superstitions, and the threat of the Plague, the story delves into themes of deception, secrets, and survival. The writing style is described as beautifully crafted, compelling, and haunting, drawing readers into a world where reality and fantasy intertwine, creating a gripping tale of mistrust, friendship, and the unknown.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed individuals with dark secrets, each contributing to the story's complex dynamics and suspense.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style features vivid descriptions and engaging character stories, creating a mesmerizing historical atmosphere while incorporating elements of fantasy.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around nine travelers during the Black Death, each concealing secrets, contributing to a suspenseful journey as they face danger and death.

Setting:

The setting is a grim and atmospheric depiction of 14th-century England during the plague, enhancing the story's tension and fear.

Pacing:

The pacing shifts from slow introduction to an engaging suspenseful narrative, building tension as plot revelations occur.

They say that if you suddenly wake with a shudder, a ghost has walked over your grave. I woke with a shudder on that Midsummer's Day. And although I had no way of foreseeing the evil that day would br...

Notes:

The book is set in 1348, during the arrival of the Black Death in England.

It's about a group of nine characters trying to escape the plague.

Each character harbors a secret that they try to keep from others.

The narrator is a scarred peddler of religious relics named Camelot.

Characters include two minstrels, a traveling magician, a midwife, and a rune-reading girl named Narigorm.

The story incorporates themes of fear, superstition, and societal collapse.

Maitland skillfully combines historical detail with magical realism.

The narrative is described as dark and suspenseful, with mounting dread throughout.

The ending has sparked mixed reactions, with some readers feeling it doesn't satisfy the buildup.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Potential triggers include themes of death, plague, violence, and supernatural elements, as well as historical portrayals of prejudice and persecution.

From The Publisher:

EMBARK ON A TURBULENT JOURNEY THROUGH A RAVAGED COUNTRYSIDE . . . WITH ONLY LIARS FOR COMPANY.

The year is 1348. In a world ruled by faith and fear, nine desperate strangers, brought together by chance, attempt to flee the certain death that is rolling inexorably toward them. Each traveler has a hidden gift, a dark secret, and a story to tell….

From Camelot, the relic-seller, to Cygnus, the one-armed storyteller-from the strange, silent child Narigorm to a painter and his pregnant wife, each guards secrets closely. None are as they seem. And one among them conceals the darkest secret of all-propelling these liars to a destiny more perilous than any of them could imagine.

2008

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576 pages

Ratings (10)

Loved It (5)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (74):

Read It (11)
Want To Read (50)
Not Interested (13)

What can you read after
Company of Liars?

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About the Author:

Karen Maitland has a doctorate in psycholinguistics. She has traveled and worked in many parts of the world, from the Arctic Circle to Africa, before finally settling in the medieval city of Lincoln in England. Her British debut novel, The…

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