69 pages • 2 hours read
Eleanor CattonThe Luminaries
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
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.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read The Luminaries?
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.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Historical Fiction
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Modern Classic Fiction
Values/Ideas: Power & Greed
Identity: Gender
Society: Class
History: World