Title: Q
Author: Luther Blissett
First published January 1, 1999
757 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780151010639 (ISBN10: 0151010633)
Rating: 4.19
Overview
Set in the 16th century, Q by Luther Blissett tells the story of a young theology student who takes up the cause of the heretics and the oppressed during the period of Reformation. As wars of religion ravage Europe, the protagonist, known only as “Survivor”, becomes embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a cunning papal spy and heretic hunter who operates under the code name “Q”.
From the plains of Germany to the bustling cities of the Dutch and the gateway to the East in Venice, the two engage in a battle where no moves are off-limits and the true stakes remain hidden until the very end. What begins as a quest to reveal each other’s true identity quickly turns into a dangerous mission that could end in death.
With a gripping plot and rich historical detail, Q is a thrilling tale of survival, intrigue, and betrayal in a time of great upheaval.
About the Author
Many people all over the world have adopted the name Luther Blissett since the mid-1990s as part of a transnational activist project. This started in Italy when a vast network of cultural workers “borrowed” the name of a Jamaican-born soccer player who was active in both England and Italy in the previous decade.
Later on, a group of four Italian writers, namely Roberto Bui, Giovanni Cattabriga, Federico Guglielmi, and Luca Di Meo, used the name as a collective pen name for their novel “Q”. However, since January 2000, they have been writing under a different collective pen name: Wu Ming (also known as the “Wu Ming Foundation”).
Editoral Review
Q, by Luther Blissett, is a thought-provoking historical novel that is something of a hybrid between historical fiction and political thriller. At its heart, the book is a commentary on the political and social turmoil of the 16th century, while also offering a critique of oppressive regimes and the power of the Church.
Set in the mid-16th century, Q follows the story of a young man named Gert from Germany. Gert is a radical Protestant who finds himself embroiled in a rebellion against the Holy Roman Empire, which is in the clutches of the powerful Habsburg dynasty.
As the story progresses, Gert finds himself drawn into a web of conspiracy, esoteric religious movements, and dangerous secret societies. The book is a dense, complex work of literature that delves into a range of themes, including power, resistance, religious fanaticism, and the role of the individual in a society dominated by authoritarian forces.
Blissett weaves together a rich tapestry of historical detail, introducing us to an array of complex and nuanced characters who grapple with the challenges of their time. Blissett’s writing is both poetic and powerful, with a particular talent for creating vivid and evocative descriptions of characters, settings and situations.
A major strength of Q is its ability to bring the political and cultural history of the time to life, giving readers a clear sense of the social, political, and economic context of the 16th century. The book also highlights the dangers of religious extremism and the importance of questioning authority, making it highly relevant in today’s political landscape.
However, despite its many strengths, Q can be a challenging read, requiring patience and careful attention. The plot is highly complex and at times difficult to follow, and the book’s multiple narrators can be confusing.
Some readers may also find the book’s length and density a hindrance, but for those who are willing to invest the time, the payoff is well worth it. Overall, Q is an excellent work of historical fiction that sheds light on a fascinating period of European history.
It is highly recommended for readers who are interested in exploring complex social, political, and religious issues in a richly imagined world.
