Title: A Great Deliverance
Author: Elizabeth George
First published May 1, 1988
413 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780553278026 (ISBN10: 0553278029)
Rating: 4.04
Overview
Oliver Sacks, renowned for his compassion and curiosity, takes us on a journey through the fascinating worlds of seven individuals with neurological disorders. In “An Anthropologist on Mars: Seven Paradoxical Tales,” Sacks introduces us to an artist who loses his ability to see color, a surgeon who performs delicate operations despite the challenges of Tourette’s syndrome, and an autistic professor who holds a Ph.D. in animal science but struggles with human emotion.
Through their stories, Sacks delves into the complexities of memory, perception, and the human experience, ultimately exploring what it means to be a coherent self in this world. Join Sacks on this captivating exploration of the human mind and the incredible individuals who challenge our understanding of it.
About the Author
Meet Susan Elizabeth George, an accomplished American author known for her captivating mystery novels set in Great Britain. You may recognize her popular character, Inspector Lynley, from the BBC adaptation of eleven of her books.
Though born in Warren, Ohio, Susan moved to the San Francisco Bay Area as a young child. She studied English and obtained a teaching certificate, eventually teaching English in public schools while earning an advanced degree in psychology.
Susan’s first published novel, A Great Deliverance, hit shelves in 1988 and introduced readers to the dynamic cast of characters including Scotland Yard inspector Thomas Lynley, his assistant Barbara Havers, Lynley’s girlfriend and later wife Lady Helen Clyde, and their friends Simon and Deborah St. James.
It’s worth noting that this Susan Elizabeth George is a separate author from the similarly named Christian author.
Editoral Review
A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George is a gripping mystery novel that was first published on May 1, 1988. Elizabeth George is an American author of suspense novels, and she is widely recognized for her ability to weave intricate plots while exploring deep and often dark themes.
A Great Deliverance is a prime example of her writing prowess. As a mystery novel, A Great Deliverance is a well-crafted tale that explores the motives and psyches of a diverse set of characters.
The novel is set in rural England, and the plot revolves around the murder of William Teys, a wealthy farmer who was found bludgeoned to death in his own home. The main characters are Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, who investigates the murder, and his partner, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers.
As they uncover more about the case, they discover that the motive for the murder is more complex than they initially thought. As the investigation progresses, they must confront their own biases and prejudices in order to solve the case.
The novel’s themes of class, gender, and power are explored through the characters, who are well-developed and multi-dimensional. George does an excellent job of creating a vivid world that is both familiar and foreign, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story.
There are also subtle hints of social commentary, highlighting the inequalities and prejudices that still exist in modern-day society. A Great Deliverance is an exceptional work of fiction, and its strengths are many.
The writing is evocative and beautifully crafted, with a captivating plot that kept me engaged from beginning to end. George’s character development is excellent, and Lynley and Havers are complex characters with distinct personalities and flaws.
The pacing of the novel is also spot on, with just the right amount of tension and suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat. One of the novel’s few limitations is the plot’s predictability.
While there are some surprising twists and turns, the identity of the murderer is somewhat predictable. However, this does not detract from the overall quality of the novel.
A Great Deliverance is a must-read for fans of the mystery genre. It is a thoughtful and engaging novel that explores complex issues of power, class, and gender through an intricate and well-executed story.
Any reader looking for a captivating and thought-provoking mystery should pick up this book. I give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on its exceptional writing, well-developed characters, and captivating plot.