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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