Cannonbridge
by Jonathan Barnes
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date 10 Feb 2015 | Archive Date 5 Feb 2015
Rebellion | Solaris
Description
Flamboyant, charismatic Matthew Cannonbridge was touched by genius, the most influential creative mind of the 19th century, a prolific novelist, accomplished playwright, the poet of his generation. The only problem is, he should never have existed and beleaguered, provincial, recently-divorced 21st Century don Toby Judd is the only person to realise something has gone wrong with history.
All the world was Cannonbridge’s and he possessed, seemingly, the ability to be everywhere at once. Cannonbridge was there that night by Lake Geneva when conversation between Byron, Shelley and Mary Godwin turned to stories of horror and the supernatural. He was sole ally, confidante and friend to the young Dickens as Charles laboured without respite in the blacking factory. He was the only man of standing and renown to regularly visit Oscar Wilde in prison. Tennyson's drinking companion, Kipling's best friend, Robert Louis Stevenson's counsellor and guide - Cannonbridge's extraordinary life and career spanned a century, earning him a richly-deserved place in the English canon.
But as bibliophiles everywhere prepare to toast the bicentenary of the publication of Cannonbridge's most celebrated work, Judd's discovery will lead him on a breakneck chase across the English canon and countryside, to the realisation that the spectre of Matthew Cannonbridge, planted so seamlessly into the heart of the 19th Century, might not be so dead and buried after all...
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781781082973 |
| PRICE | US$9.99 (USD) |
Featured Reviews
Melanie S, Reviewer
My second book this week was one I received from the lovely people at Solaris via NetGalley - Cannonbridge by Jonathan Barnes. Dr. Toby Judd's life is about the change whether he wants it to or not. Judd decides to make a stand and declare that the prodigious author Matthew Cannonbridge is a fake. This declaration, so close to the bicentenary celebration of Cannonbridge's most famous works sets off a deadly chain of events. The story moves quickly between Toby in present day and Cannonbridge's life as he meets almost every famous literary character from Byron and Shelley, to Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde. Cannonbridge is a mystery indeed as the saviour to some and the downfall of others, he never changes and never grows old. Can Toby discover the truth before its too late?
Cannonbridge is an excellent book. I have to warn you though that housework or homework won't get done the minute you start this book. It definitely falls into the 'can't put down' category. I was never quite sure what was going to happen and couldn't help but cheer Toby on even though he was rather pathetic. Cannonbridge was a complete mystery and darkness personified. This book will be released by Solaris on the February 10th and I can't urge you enough to pre-order it now.
Zita K, Reviewer
This book combines the English literary history, mystery and science fiction elements. The author introduces us to Matthew Cannonbridge, unforgettable character who met with almost every major English writers of the nineteenth century, and whose role in history seems to be huge. Then appears in the story Toby Judd, who in 21st century feel that with Cannonbridgem and history in general something is not right. The author moves us from one time to another, from Shelley to Wilde. And as Toby tries to find out what is the truth, others are desperate to ensure that nothing goes wrong with their plan. The language in the book was to me sometimes too elaborate and fussy, but the plot was cleverly chosen and the ending was surprising.
The book Cannonbridge is an interesting book that does not disappoint if a reader will approach with the right expectations.
Nicki M, Reviewer
Thank you for the chance to review this title. My review is now live on my blog and on Goodreads. The full transcript is below:
Cannonbridge is an enjoyable romp through 19th century literature. The story was compelling, with plenty of turns along the way, and the characters were memorable and well-written. The twist at the end caught me by surprise and I found myself putting the book down with a smile on my face. Well worth a read - great for a lazy afternoon.
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