An Instance of the Fingerpost
An Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears, published by Riverhead in 1998, is a historical fiction novel set in 1660s Oxford, a period marked by significant intellectual, religious, scientific, and political upheaval. The narrative revolves around Sarah Blundy, who is accused of murdering Robert Grove, a fellow of New College. The story unfolds through the perspectives of four witnesses—Marco da Cola, Jack Prescott, John Wallis, and Anthony Wood—each providing their account of the events leading to Grove’s death.
Readers will encounter a richly woven tale that explores themes of mystery and intrigue against the backdrop of England’s tumultuous history. The diverse backgrounds of the witnesses contribute to a complex narrative that challenges perceptions of truth and justice. With a page count of 691, this edition offers an immersive reading experience in English, inviting readers to delve into the intricacies of 17th-century life and the motivations that drive each character’s testimony.
Official synopsis Publisher
Set in Oxford in the 1660s – a time and place of great intellectual, religious, scientific and political ferment – this remarkable novel centres around a young woman, Sarah Blundy, who stands accused of the murder of Robert Grove, a fellow of New College. Four witnesses describe the events surrounding his death: Marco da Cola, a Venetian Catholic intent on claiming credit for the invention of blood transfusion; Jack Prescott, the son of a supposed traitor to the Royalist cause, determined to vindicate his father; John Wallis, chief cryptographer to both Cromwell and Charles II, a mathematician, theologian and master spy; and Anthony Wood, the famous Oxford antiquary.
Each one tells their version of what happened but only one reveals the extraordinary truth. Brilliantly written, utterly convincing, gripping from the first page to the last, An Instance of the Fingerpost is a magnificent tour de force.
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