Iain Pears tells the story of John Stone, financier and armaments manufacturer, a man so wealthy that in the years before World War I he was able to manipulate markets, industries and indeed whole countries and continents.
Reviewed by Women Who Read reading group
This book sparked a lot of debate. It was long, so you needed to be able to set aside a good period of time to read it in one sitting. It has hidden depths, and with a lot of surprises as the layers peeled away. A very strong plot.
Star rating: ***
Hampshire Libraries 
Review by The M&M Book Club
Its a “marmite” kind of a book, you either love it or hate it. Long winded or wonderfully detailed, take your pick. The reverse time was intriguing.
Rating: ***
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Review by Andrews Lodge
Part One – a little slow
Part Two – was very engaging
Part Three – very surprising and touching at the end.
This has been the best book so far for the book club.
Star rating: ****
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