Q Paperback – 6 May 2004

Historical novels is one of my favorite genres, so I tend to read lots of them. Sadly, the sorry consequence of doing so is - in whatever genre really - that the more books you read the less frequently you tend to stumble on truly worthwhile ones, books you are likely never to forget. Some are not good at all, lots are OK, and only some stand out. I'm glad to say that 'Q' to me clearly belongs in the last category. Everything fits together beautifully in this novel.First of all there's the period: it's all a matter of opinion off course but I've always been interested in this turbulent era in European history between roughly 1500 and 1540, when Europe was practically in constant upheaval, Charles V and Henry VIII ruled, and people like Luther and Calvin set in motion events that resonate until present times. Luther Blissett magnificently sketches this period, and - which is a welcome change from most other novels which concentrate on the upper classes - does so from the viewpoint of the poor and dispossessed: peasants, smugglers, beggars, outlaws, ... Furthermore, 'Q' ranges geographically across most of the European continent: our protagonist not only roams the Holy Roman Empire, but finds himself in Antwerp, Amsterdam, Venice, Florence, and so on and so forth.Secondly, there's an huge range of characters (many of them historical), all of them beautifully depicted. Although this at times necessitates taking notes just to keep track of who's who, it adds wonderfully to this feeling of the huge scope taken in by the novel. I found the protagonist a very likeable character, siding with the downtrodden and miserable people of that day and age, but never a real fanatic (as, unfortunately, some of the reformers were). He repeatedly finds himself escaping battles, sieges and enemy attacks by the skin of his teeth and therefore - during the course of the novel - changes names and identities several times which in the end makes him a sort of anonymous 'Everyman'.Then there's the plot: throughout the novel the protagonist is engaged in an ongoing battle with the mysterious 'Q', the ultimate Catholic spy who, on the behest of his master Cardinal Carafa (the later Pope Paul IV - a dogmatic Roman catholic if ever there was one) infiltrates one reformation group after the other, with no other purpose in mind than betraying them. It isn't until the very end of the book that the protagonist and Q face one another, but the constant (deadly) play of strikes and counter-strikes between the two greatly heightens the tension, and - even if you aren't in the least interested in the religious issues at stake - 'Q' is also a very good historical thriller / detective.Last but not least, without ever explicitly referring to later times, I found this book an astounding reminder of how little actually has changed between then and now: they may belong to other religions, but fanatics are as active (and dangerous) today as they were then, and though the Roman Catholics are the 'bad guys' in this novel, the message is clearly brought home that fanaticism - on the behalf of whatever religion or cause - ultimately always ends with havoc being wreaked on the defenseless poor and innocent.A truly magnificent and very moving book, warmly recommended!

Fantastic, just fantastic! One of the best books I've ever read and I must have read way over a thousand by now. I learned a lot of history while being entertained by a great plot and engaging, well written characters. There are a number of different writers and I thought that might disjoint it somewhat but while you can sometimes discern stylistic changes, it doesn't distract from the overall result. A hugely ambitious effort that hits the mark.

Very good. Nearly didn't persevere with it when it went through a phase of appearing to be my old A Level History syllabus turned into a novel. Only a few LOLs at anachronisms - not sure swimming pools were a thing in early 16C Germany - and it was good to catch up with old friends like Muntzer and old enemies like Carafa. If you like social interpretations of history, then you'll enjoy this.

This is a must read for all those who are up to books with hitory, philosphy and sociology context. Obviously adventures of characters are pure fiction but still give ourselves nice subject to think on role of the individuals in histroical u-turns.If you want a book that will get you out from the world when you read it 'Q' will definetely do it.I first read this book six or seven years ago in Polish and now I can't wait to read it again.So if you like good thrillers this book is definetely a better choice than many positions available nowadays.

Until page 173, I was struggling with this. I wanted to enjoy it, but it seemed too disordered. It's not a straightforward narrative and jumps about in time and through events with wild abandon. If the writing were more engaging, this wouldn't be a problem, but it isn't. Sometimes it is excellent, but at others, it's too full of the ideas and discussions to deliver.However. After page 173 (well, thereabouts), it starts to come together. It's worth keeping going (unlike, for example, with Infinite jest) and the rewards are there. It's not comparable to Eco, in my opinion - Eco is much more focused (except, in the Island of the Day Before, which is terrible and which, oddly enough, someone used as a comparator).In the end, it's fun and full of ideas - but nothing exceptional. A great effort and I shall try the others from the same group.

I'm not normally much of a re-reader, but this is a book that I've returned to and will return to. It's slightly hard going for the first section, but once you get your head around the structure it all makes sense - and the structure is, I guess, integral to the plot.It's also very funny in places.

delivered very quickly. Great read as well :)

my only problem with this book is that it's not the Luther Blissett of 1980s Watford FC fame that wrote it.