photo6

                                                                          To be released soon!

The Orphan Conspiracies: 29 Conspiracy Theories from The Orphan Trilogy will be a departure from the usual for us: it’s non-fiction whereas all our other published titles to date – including The Orphan Trilogy (The Ninth Orphan / The Orphan Factory / The Orphan Uprising) and Fiji: A Novel – are works of fiction.

Most of our research into conspiracy theories comes from scoping and writing The Orphan Trilogy between 2004 and 2013. The Orphan Conspiracies will highlight the 29 conspiracies that feature in the trilogy, and will provide in depth studies of each with additional comment.

Dedicated to truth-seekers and whistleblowers everywhere, just some of the conspiracies featured will include False Flag operations, MK-Ultra and the secret history of mind control, human cloning, the US Federal Reserve, suppressed technologies, Bilderberg, the pharmaceutical conspiracy, the myth of a free media, Project Paperclip, secret CIA prisons, Area 52 and, most appropriately, experimentation on orphans…and many more.

Meanwhile, The Orphan Trilogy continues to be a regular visitor to Amazon’s bestseller lists. While the series has fictional characters, it shines the spotlight on real organizations and also on shadow groups rumored to exist in the real world. In many ways it merges fiction with reality.

           

The Orphan Trilogy thriller series is available via Amazon at:         http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BGGM05U/

As one Amazon reviewer said of The Ninth Orphan (book one in the trilogy):

The authors manage to weave political intrigue, espionage, and eugenics into an exciting fabric of mystery and entertainment. The reader can’t but believe that the novel may not be only a work of fiction.

The Orphan Conspiracies will help readers bridge the gap between fact and fiction…

Watch this space! –Lance & James

**********************************************

 

In a powerful statement issued by The Council – an intertribal council whose Native American representatives speak for “the Spiritual People of the Earth, of North and South America” – we are reminded if we break the laws of creation, we risk destruction. 

Council signatories to the statement include Chief Arvol Looking Horse, the 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe and Spiritual Leader of The Great Sioux Nation; Bobby C. Billie, Clan Leader and Spiritual Leader of the Council of the Original Miccosukee
Simanolee Nation Aboriginal Peoples; Faith Spotted Eagle, Tunkan Inajin Win Brave Heart Society Grandmother/Headswoman; Ihanktonwan Treaty Council Ihanktonwan Dakota from the Oceti Sakowin; and the 7 Council Fires.

While The Council’s statement is a departure from our usual post here on Morcan Books & Films blog, the subject matter is close to our hearts and we wish to share it with you. Please read and pass along. If we do not change our ways, we destroy ourselves and our planet.

The Council Statement follows in full and unabridged:

This statement reflects the wisdom of the Spiritual People of the Earth, of North and South America , working in unity to restore peace, harmony and balance for our collective future and for all living beings. This statement is written in black and white with a foreign language that is not our own and does not convey the full depth of our concerns.

The Creator created the People of the Earth into the Land at the beginning of Creation and gave us a way of life. This way of life has been passed down generation-to-generation since the beginning. We have not honored this way of life through our own actions and we must live these original instructions in order to restore universal balance and harmony. We are a part of Creation; thus, if we break the Laws of Creation, we destroy ourselves.

We, the Original Caretakers of Mother Earth, have no choice but to follow and uphold the Original Instructions, which sustains the continuity of Life. We recognize our umbilical connection to Mother Earth and understand that she is the source of life, not a resource to be exploited. We speak on behalf of all Creation today, to communicate an urgent message that man has gone too far, placing us in the state of survival.

We warned that one day you would not be able to control what you have created. That day is here.Not heeding warnings from both Nature and the People of the Earth keeps us on the path of self destruction.

This self destructive path has led to the Fukushima nuclear crisis, Gulfoil spill, tar sands devastation, pipeline failures, impacts of carbon dioxide emissions and the destruction of ground water through hydraulic fracking, just to name a few. In addition, these activities and development continue to cause the deterioration and destruction of sacred places and sacred waters that are vital for Life. Powerful technologies are out of control and are threatening the future of all life’

The Fukushima nuclear crisis alone is a threat to the future of humanity. Yet, our concern goes far beyond this single threat. Our concern is with the cumulative and compounding devastation that is being wrought by the actions of human beings around the world. It is the combination of resource extraction, genetically modified organisms, moral failures, pollution, introduction of invasive species and much much more that are threatening the future of life on Earth.

The compounding of bad decisions and their corresponding actions are extremely short-sighted. They do not consider the future generations and they do not respect or honor the Creator’s Natural Law. We strongly urge for the governmental authorities to respond with an open invitation to work and consult with us to solve the world’s problems, without war. We must stop waging war against Mother Earth, and ourselves.

We acknowledge that all of these devastating actions originated in human beings who are living without regard for the Earth as the source of life. They have strayed from the Original Instructions by casting aside the Creator’s Natural Law.

It is now critical for humanity to acknowledge that we have created a path to self destruction. We must restore the Original Instructions in our lives to halt this devastation.

1.
The sanctity of the Original Instructions has been violated. As a result, the Spiritual People of the Earth were called ceremonially to come together at the home of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle. These Spiritual Leaders and those that carry great responsibility for their people from both North and South America came together with the sacred fire for four days at the end of September 2013 to fulfil their sacred responsibilities.

During this time it was revealed that the spirit of destruction gained its strength by our spiritually disconnected actions. We are all responsible in varying degrees for calling forth this spirit of destruction, thus we are all bound to begin restoring what we have damaged by helping one another recover our sacred responsibility to the Earth. We, the Original Caretakers of Mother Earth, offer our spiritual insight, wisdom and vision to the global community to help guide the actions needed to overcome the current threats to all life.

We only have to look at our own bodies to recognize the sacred purpose of water on Mother Earth.

We respect and honor our spiritual relationship with the lifeblood of Mother Earth. One does not sell or contaminate their mother’s blood.

These capitalistic actions must stop and we must recover our sacred relationship with the Spirit of Water.

The People of the Earth understand that the Fukushima nuclear crisis continues to threaten the future of all life. We understand the full implications of this crisis even with the suppression of information and the filtering of truth by the corporate owned media and Nation States.

We strongly urge the media, corporations and Nation States to acknowledge and convey the true facts that threaten us, so that the international community may work together to resolve this crisis, based on the foundation of Truth.

We urge the international community, government of Japan and TEPCO to unify efforts to stabilize and re-mediate the nuclear threat posed at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. To ensure that the Japanese government and TEPCO are supported with qualified personnel and information, we urge the inclusion of today’s nuclear experts from around the world to collaborate, advise and provide technical assistance to prevent further radioactive contamination or worse, a nuclear explosion that may have apocalyptic consequences.

The foundation for peace will be strengthened by restoring the Original Instructions in ourselves.

Prophecies have been shared and sacred instructions were given. We, the People of the Earth, were instructed that the original wisdom must be shared again when imbalance and disharmony are upon Mother Earth.

In 1994 the sacred white buffalo, the giver of the sacred pipe, returned to the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people bringing forth the sacred message that the winds of change are here. Since that time many more messengers in the form of white animals have come, telling us to wake up my children. It is time. So listen for the sacred instruction.

2
All Life is sacred. We come into Life as sacred beings. When we abuse the sacredness of Life we affect all Creation We urge all Nations and human beings around the world to work with us, the Original Caretakers of Mother Earth, to restore the Original Instructions and uphold the Creator’s Natural Law as a foundation for all decision making, from this point forward.

Our collective future as human beings is in our hands, we must address the Fukushima nuclear crisis and all actions that may violate the Creator’s Natural Law. We have reached the crossroads of life and the end of our existence. We will avert this potentially catastrophic nuclear disaster by coming together with good minds and prayer as a global community of all faiths.

We are the People of the Earth united under the Creator’s Law with a sacred covenant to protect and a responsibility to extend Life for all future generations. We are expressing deep concern for our shared future and urge everyone to awaken spiritually. We must work in unity to help Mother Earth heal so that she can bring back balance and harmony for all her children.

Representatives of the Council
Chief Arvol Looking Horse
19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe
Spiritual Leader
The Great Sioux Nation
Bobby C. Billie
Clan Leader and Spiritual Leader
Council of the Original Miccosukee
Simanolee Nation Aboriginal Peoples
Faith Spotted Eagle, Tunkan Inajin Win
Brave Heart Society Grandmother/Headswoman & Ihanktonwan Treaty Council
Ihanktonwan Dakota from the Oceti Sakowin
7 Council Fires

 

*********************************************

Publication of our next historical novel, Into the Americas, is scheduled for 2014. It follows the release of our first historical novel, Fiji, which is now a permanent fixture in Amazon’s bestseller list.

Poster for our action-adventure feature film in development INTO THE AMERICAS

A true-life adventure.

An action-adventure set in 19th Century North America, Into the Americas is based on the true-life story of young English seaman John Jewitt who is one of only two European survivors left alive after his crewmates clash with Mowachaht Indians on the west coast of North America. Torn between his desire for freedom and his love for an Indian maiden, Jewitt must choose one or the other.

John Jewitt

A Romeo and Juliet story set in the wilderness, Jewitt’s story is one of history’s greatest survival tales. Our novel will provide an in depth look at the tribal life of First Nations peoples in what is known today as British Columbia, Canada.

INTO THE AMERICAS

Synopsis

In 1803, on the remote west coast of North America, young English blacksmith John Jewitt is one of only two European survivors left after his crewmates aboard their ship, the Boston, clash with Mowachaht Indians.

John and a belligerent American sailmaker, Thompson, must put aside personal animosities and use all their cunning to survive as slaves of the Mowachahts. Desperate to return to civilization, the pair make several unsuccessful escape attempts over mountains and sea. Their proven value to the tribe and John’s relationship with Maquina, the tribe’s all-powerful chief, is all that prevents their captors from killing them.

As the seasons pass, John ‘goes Indian’ after falling in love with Eu-stochee, a beautiful maiden. This further alienates him from Thompson whose volatile temperament leads to violent consequences. 

When a final opportunity to escape arises, John must choose between leaving with Thompson or staying with Eu-stochee and their newborn son.

History behind the story:

On March 22, 1803, while anchored in Nootka Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the Boston was attacked by Mowachaht Indians after a trading disagreement. Twenty five of her twenty seven crew were killed, their heads arranged in a line for survivor John Jewitt to identify. Jewitt, who was just 19 years old, and another survivor, Jonathan Thompson, became two of some 50 slaves owned by Chief Maquina.

Chief Maquina 

As well as laboring and carrying out other menial tasks, Jewitt and Thompson were forced to fight for Maquina when he went into battle with neighboring tribes. But their worst fear was the realization that slaves could be killed whenever their master chose. They never knew what would come first – freedom or death. Jewitt and Thompson attempted several unsuccessful escape attempts during their time in remote Nootka.

Because he was a blacksmith, Jewitt became a valuable asset to the Mowachaht tribe. He was able to repair muskets and other weapons, giving the Mowachahts an advantage over neighboring tribes.

Believing a wife would reconcile Jewitt to staying with the Mowachaht for life, Maquina ordered Jewitt to marry. The chief took the young Englishman to a nearby village and paid a bride price for Jewitt’s selection – seventeen-year-old Eu-stochee. Jewitt was then given his own lodge to be with his wife. Thompson, was also allowed to live with Jewitt, and Maquina’s twelve-year-old son, Sat-sok, chose to live with them as well.

Jewitt was initially a reluctant husband: “Reduced to this sad extremity, with death on the one side, and matrimony on the other, I thought proper to choose what appeared to me the least of the two evils” However, almost against his will he entered into a very passionate romance with Eu-stochee, who would eventually give birth to his son.

*      *      *

Footnote:

In 2003, John R. Jewitt, a sixth-generation descendant of John Jewitt, traveled to Vancouver Island to meet with Mike Maquina, a descendant of Chief Maquina, to mark the 200th anniversary of their forefathers’ meeting.

*      *      *

James and I are doing the ‘hard yards’ now, researching and writing Into the Americas. (Such fun!). We are also adapting it to a feature film screenplay and have put it into development with Morcan Motion Pictures. The planned film is attracting Hollywood interest.

Meanwhile, our bestselling historical adventure Fiji: A Novel is available via Amazon as a trade paperback and Kindle ebook. Go to:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0057YCZM0/

A bestseller

*******************************************

Our international conspiracy thriller series The Orphan Trilogy is currently on special thru Amazon’s Kindle Countdown Deals.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BGGM05U/

Twenty-three orphans with numbers for names from 1 to 23. Number Nine wants to escape from ‘the orphanage’.
Read the highly-rated international conspiracy thriller series in full and at a discounted price. Three novels spanning over 1,000 explosive pages…
Book One: THE NINTH ORPHAN
Book Two: THE ORPHAN FACTORY
Book Three: THE ORPHAN UPRISING
Meet Number Nine – an orphan, a spy, a lover…a master of disguise, an assassin, a shapeshifter…a freedom fighter, a human chameleon, a reformed contract killer. He’s all of the above. He’s none of the above.
Nine is enslaved by the Omega Agency, a shadowy organization seeking to create a New World Order. When he tries to break free and live a normal life, Nine is hunted by his mentor and father figure, and by a female orphan he spent his childhood with. On the run, his life becomes entwined with his beautiful French-African hostage and a shocking past is revealed…A past that involves the mysterious Pedemont Orphanage in Chicago, Illinois.
Standing in the way of Nine’s freedom are his fellow orphans – all elite operatives like himself – who are under orders to terminate him. Nine finds himself in a seemingly infinite maze of cloak and dagger deception. Time and again, he must call on all his advanced training to survive.
But can the ninth-born orphan ever get off the grid? To find out you’ll need to go on a tumultuous journey around the world to such far-flung locations as the Arctic, Asia, Europe, the Amazon, Africa and South Pacific islands. The frenetic cat-and-mouse chase moves from airports to train stations and hidden torture prisons, taking the reader on a page turning, frightening non-stop action ride into the world of corrupted power that goes beyond conspiracy theories to painful reality.
Fast-paced, totally fresh and original, filled with deep and complex characters, The Orphan Trilogy is a controversial, high-octane thriller series with an edge. Merging fact with fiction, it illuminates shadow organizations rumored to actually exist in our world. The three novels explore a plethora of conspiracies involving real organizations like the CIA, MI6, and the UN, and public figures such as President Obama, Queen Elizabeth II as well as the Clinton, Marcos and Bush families.
 
The Orphan Trilogy exposes a global agenda designed to keep the power in the hands of a select few. Nine’s oppressors are a shadow government acting above and beyond the likes of the White House, the FBI, the Pentagon and the NSA.
One of the Omega Agency’s black ops employs MK-Ultra mind control technology on genetically engineered agents to facilitate the agendas of those in power. When Nine successfully deprograms himself from MK-Ultra, all hell breaks loose. But to gain his freedom he must bust out of the Pedemont Orphanage and break into Omega’s other orphanages and underground medical laboratories around the world. In the process he uncovers chilling scientific experiments taking place on children. Could something like this ever take place? Or, is it already taking place somewhere in the world right now?
The trilogy also has a poignant, romantic sub-plot. It contains the kind of intimate character portraits usually associated with psychological thrillers.
Book/Film/TV references: The Manchurian Candidate, The Saint, The Da Vinci Code, Bond, Dark Angel, The Jackal, Mission Impossible, Salt, The Pretender, Bourne, The Island, Taken.
This unique, unpredictable and epic spy thriller series covers everything from political assassinations and suppressed science to young adult romance and accelerated learning techniques.
Buckle up for a nail-biter to the very end.
Written by father-and-son writing team Lance & James Morcan (authors of Fiji: A Novel), The Orphan Trilogy was first published in 2013 by Sterling Gate Books. A feature film adaptation of The Ninth Orphan is currently being developed.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BGGM05U/

What’s New On My Bookshelf #42 ~ Now that’s a lot of books!.

The Scars of Ambition – by Jason Letts

Book splurge:

The ancient family sword’s immaculate steel blade reminded him that there were still parts of the world where this was the only weapon people had, the old ways were still alive and well, and there were creatures out there and powerful things beyond what he could ever imagine.”

Lowell Bracken had complete control. His empire, his ruthless executives, his family’s legacy, his wife, his children, they all had a part to play in the near omnipotent control he exerted in Cumeria. But a freak attack exposed how tenuous that control really is, and Lowell scrambles to preserve it, discovering he is only playing a small part in larger, darker schemes for control.

From the shadows, mysterious and disturbing threats disrupt the already-turbulent business landscape in Cumeria. When blood is spilled, the fight for survival becomes more than just a euphemism for going out of business, and the Brackens’ struggles to retain order might be the only thing keeping all of Cumeria from plunging into chaos.

 

Book review: 5 Stars

Plaudits for this superior read

Sci-fi/fantasy novels are not my preferred genre. So it says a lot for this first book of ‘The Cumerian Unraveling’ that I literally couldn’t put it down and I finished reading it in one sitting!

It’s a quick read. This may have something to do with the fact it’s only 95,000 words give or take, but I
suspect it’s more to do with the superior storyline crafted by author Jason Letts: it’s fast-paced and action-filled with very little downtime.

The book’s catchy tagline – “The battlefield meets the boardroom” – nicely sums up this highly original story of corporate espionage, wealthy families and political intrigue. It beautifully sets up the sequel, ‘The Vendetta Clause’. Can’t wait! -Lance

*   *   *

The Kindle edition of this novel is available via Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Scars-Ambition-Cumerian-Unraveling-ebook/dp/B00DO9HMXC/

Other books by Jason Letts:

Product Details  Product Details  Product Details

Happy reading! –Lance & James

 

*********************************************

 

 

 

The Pinata-Maker’s Daughter (The Marisol Trilogy) – by Eileen Clemens Granfors

Book splurge:
In this worthy coming-of-age prequel to Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead, we follow the struggle of Carmen Principia to achieve her dreams, despite her impoverished beginnings as the Pinata-Maker’s daughter in San Ysidro, California. She has a college degree in mind; her mother wants her to hone her skills in what else? pinata-making! Add relationships with men and a challenging roommate. The results are an emotional, sometimes comic, adventure in learning about the real world beyond the ivory tower of the U.
Book review:  5 Stars 
It was with some misgivings that this middle-aged male read this coming-of-age tale about Carmen, a Mexican girl embarking on her journey through life in a new land. Wow…was I pleasantly surprised!
The author’s turn of phrase hooked me in from the Prologue onwards. (Try this sample excerpt: In Mexico City, I felt like a sparrow among flocks of parakeets, the colorful clothes and the chatter of thousands of people. Mama spread her striped serape to draw me close and keep me safe. I trembled against her like a shy toddler.)
Eileen Granfors’ decision to relate young Carmen’s endearing story in the First Person has proved masterful. This reader felt as though he was right there, experiencing the highs and lows of the piñata-maker’s daughter and her over-protective solo mom as they carved out a new life for themselves over the border, in southern California.
I unreservedly recommend this book to anyone – male or female – who enjoys stories about love, families, relationships, traditions and traditional values. You won’t be disappointed. -Lance
*   *   *
The Kindle edition of this novel is available via Amazon at: www.amazon.com/The-Pinata-Makers-Daughter-Marisol-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00EUDYXH4/
Other books by Eileen Granfors:
Product Details  Product Details  Product Details
Happy Reading! -Lance & James
*******************************************

Book three in our conspiracy thriller series The Orphan Trilogy has maintained its average 5-star rating with Amazon reviewers with a stellar review from Lynelle Clark, Editor of the respected ‘Aspired Writer’ literary blog.

The Orphan Uprising

Here’s Ms Clark’s (abridged) review:

***** Great end to a series

A sad but fitting ending to a great series. It was my privilege to read all three books in this series, and what a wonderful and exciting read it was.

Book 3 continued years later with Nine and Seventeen as the main characters. Isabella in her supporting role as wife, mother and sister-in-law brought the human aspect back in as their struggle continue to outrun and outwit the Omega Agency.

This time the Agency’s target was Nine’s son, seven year old Francis. Abducted from his home, we once again traveled the world with Nine as he searched for his son. As always you are drawn into the plot as it unfolds with its many layers, that kept you guessing and hoping until the very end…

Fast paced and well written the story meet up with the family, Isabella far advance in her second pregnancy, and Nine struggling with a heart condition when their son is abducted. It took all of Nine’s skills to search and destroy the Agency that once trained him. Now he used everything he knew against them, running against time to get his son from this diabolic group.

Led by Naylor, they did everything they could to prevent Nine…This man was brutal, ruthless, and a heartless bastard with no emotions as he tried to catch Nine and Isabella, using people as he wished with no second thought. Their was no remorse as he hunts them down, his main objective to get them out of the way to go ahead with his cloning project, with Francis as his main focus…

I loved the way the authors brought in each orphan as Nine and Seventeen met them, reminiscing about their youth before they did the ultimate…As always the book was filled with descriptive and in-depth scenes, interesting characters and great story line. From Tahiti, Greenland, America and to the heart of the DRC this was evident. Plotting and scheming with Drug Lords and Militia Captain’s to get the job done…

Nine’s determination, skills and cunningness put him ahead of the Agency, willing to risk all to save his son. His humanity more at the forefront as he raced against his own heart problems, not willing to stop until…

A great book and series I can recommend to all readers who loves a good spy thriller with all the elements of action, adventure and humanity inside to give you hours of enjoyable reads…Loved it.

For Lynelle Clark’s full review go to:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFC66DM/

For anyone interested in The Orphan Trilogy box set (3 books in 1) go to: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BGGM05U/

 

The Orphan Trilogy (The Ninth Orphan / The Orphan Factory / The Orphan Uprising) 

                                               

Happy reading! –Lance & James

 

****************************************************

 

Our historical action/adventure-romance Fiji: A Novel, which continues its climb on Amazon’s Bestseller List, is today ranked #3 with Goodreads members on the popular goodreads.com’s “Favorite World Fiction & Literature List”.

The list is dominated by Khaled Hosseini’s critically acclaimed The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns.

The top 10 books on this list are:

 

#1.

The Kite Runner The Kite Runner byKhaled Hosseini

 

#2.

A Thousand Splendid Suns A Thousand Splendid Suns byKhaled Hosseini

 

#3.

Fiji: A Novel Fiji: A Novel byLance Morcan

 

#4.

One Hundred Years of Solitude One Hundred Years of Solitude byGabriel Garcí­a Márquez

 

#5.

The Joy Luck Club The Joy Luck Club byAmy Tan

 

#6.

The Alchemist The Alchemist byPaulo Coelho (Goodreads Author)

 

#7.

The Count of Monte Cristo The Count of Monte Cristo byAlexandre Dumas

 

#8.

The Shadow of the Wind (The... The Shadow of the Wind (The Cemetery of Forgotten Books,  #1) byCarlos Ruiz Zafón

 

#9.

Life of Pi Life of Pi byYann Martel

 

#10.

The Little Prince The Little Prince byAntoine de Saint-Exupéry (Author/Illustrator)

 

To view the top 100 books on Goodreads’ Favorite World Fiction & Literature List go to: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/323.Favorite_World_Fiction_Literature

 

Happy reading! –Lance & James

 

***********************************************

 

 

Eleanor Catton

Eleanor Catton celebrates

The early reviews are in for 2013 Man Booker Prize winner Eleanor Catton’s historical novel, The Luminaries. Unsurprisingly, reviewers are glowing in their praise for what many critics call “a literary masterpiece”.

On Amazon, one reviewer said: “Catton’s novel is delightfully intricate, with plot, characters and timelines woven into a complex pattern.” (Seven reviewers made similar comments).

Another reviewer said:  “To write such a complex and masterful work so confidently blows my mind.” (Four reviewers made similar comments).

And another said: “Really pleased I persevered, this is a very well written book, great story line and well constructed characters.” (Three reviewers made similar comments).

The Luminaries – “masterful”

The storyline:

It is 1866, and Walter Moody has come to make his fortune upon the West Coast goldfields. On the night of his arrival, he stumbles across a tense gathering of twelve local men, who have met in secret to discuss a series of unsolved crimes. A wealthy man has vanished, a whore has tried to end her life, and an enormous sum of money has been discovered in the home of a luckless drunk. Moody is soon drawn into the mystery: a network of fates and fortunes that is as complex and exquisitely patterned as the night sky.

The author:

Eleanor Catton

At 28, Kiwi author Eleanor Catton is the youngest ever Man Booker Prize winner. Born in Canada and raised in New Zealand, her debut novel The Rehearsal won the Adam Prize and was Best First Book of Fiction at the 2009 Montana New Zealand Book Awards. Internationally, it was shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award and the Dylan Thomas Prize, and longlisted for the Orange Prize, and won the 2009 Betty Trask Award. It has been published in 17 territories and 12 languages.

Eleanor Catton holds an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where she also held an adjunct professorship, and an MA in creative writing from the International Institute of Modern Letters at Victoria University of Wellington. She lives in Auckland.

Notwithstanding many rave reviews The Luminaries has attracted, the most “popular” review on Amazon at the time of writing was this (unabridged) 3-star review posted by Top 500 reviewer Mary Lins:

A Commitment – Not For Everyone

Gushing reviews are easy to write, (so are pans), but what to say when you know that a book is well written, innovatively and creatively structured, and is destined to be loved by many, but it just didn’t appeal to you? “The Luminaries” by Eleanor Catton, is such a book. Short-listed for the Booker Prize, this novel, that weighs in at over 800 pages, takes a bit of a commitment to get into and, once invested, it must “grab” you to continue. I got half-way through and then had to have a “talk with myself” about continuing. It just isn’t my kind of novel and continuing was going to take too much of my precious reading time. Yet, I was far enough in to see that its innovative style of folding back in on itself will appeal to many readers. It’s like a complicated pastry; the plot is kneaded and folded to produce the confection intended. This is not a novel for readers who like their plots to be linear.

Catton’s writing style is beautifully lush and vividly descriptive. Her descriptions of the myriad characters are wonderfully rendered both in the descriptions of their physical selves and of their inner selves. Catton also creates a unique and interesting setting of a New Zealand gold mining town in the mid-nineteenth century.

I’m posting this candidly honest review to help other readers ascertain if they are the type of reader who will enjoy this unique novel, or not.

 

**************************************