The
Book of Evidence by John Banville
Published by Minerva, 1990
Freddie
Montgomery is a 38 year old schizophrenic ex-scientist, who returns
to Ireland to try and solicit funds to pay off his debts.
He
discovers that his mother has disinherited him and has sold off
pictures that he feels should have been his. He makes a trip to
Behrens to steal a portrait and is seen by a maid, whom he abducts
and brutally murders.
The
Book of Evidence is a marvelous piece of literary political
fiction which is brilliantly written with an extraordinary use of
language. It is a very disturbing, thought-provoking book where
Banville presents violence and explores different themes through
the killer’s thoughts. It is indeed a brilliant read.
Reviewed
by Kilrush Library Book Club
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