“Pure” by Andrew Miller (U.K.)

Review

Although they thought the historical setting of pre-French revolution was bleak and desolate, readers found this book highly enjoyable and looked forward to delving into it. They liked the language and style, finding it well written with interesting characters, evocative descriptions and a good plot. They quickly warmed to the protagonist and found the interplay between him and the other characters captivating. They liked his budding friendship with Armand, who they described as the most positive and forward-looking character in the story. They also warmed to many of the other characters, like the women – Jeanne, Lisa and Héloïse – whom they felt came to life especially well. But most of all, they found that the descriptions of the miners brought clearly to mind the hierarchy of that time and the trials and tribulations experienced by the common people. Most readers felt that the book ended on a positive note for the protagonist. Overall, it averaged an 8.2 out of 10, a very close second highest score of this season!

Synopsis

Deep in the heart of Paris, its oldest cemetery is, by 1785, overflowing, tainting the very breath of those who live nearby. Into their midst comes Jean-Baptiste Baratte, a young, provincial engineer charged by the king with demolishing it.

At first Baratte sees this as a chance to clear the burden of history, a fitting task for a modern man of reason. But before long, he begins to suspect that the destruction of the cemetery might be a prelude to his own.

Favourite Quote

He wonders how much of a man’s life is the story he tells himself about himself. He wonders how much of his story he has lost. Wonders if it matters.

Nicola’s Book Club reading list

Season 16 – “Journeys in Time” (Sep 2012 – Jan 2013)

“Malinche” by Laura Esquivel (Mexico)
“Pure” by Andrew Miller (U.K.)
“Black Mamba Boy” by Nadifa Mohamed (Somalia) *
“Map of the Invisible World” by Tash Aw (Malaysia)
“Departing at Dawn” by Gloria Lisé (Argentina)

* The book club favourite
In italics, Nicola’s Coup de Cœur