Reading the Chunksters discussion

I apologize for the delay in opening this thread, but I am posting two threads today, so it seems like we are still on the schedule.

1. With each chapter, the borderlines between past and present in the novel are becoming vaguer and less traceable. Do you think it is trope the author is using to mystify us?

2. The proverbial London fog is becoming a more of a plot device with the past histories interwoven with the present yarn; in addition, each of the main characters has also a story of his or her past to tell us.
Personally, do you find the novel more confusing or more tantalizing because of its ever present mysteries but also of the seemingly close and at hand truth that is hiding in the shrouds of literary fog?

3. Do you find the relationship between Foole and Pinkerton start resembling a bromance?

I've read some of the reviews on Amazon and Goodreads and blogs, and some people mention the complexity of the story and how confusing it is. I don't feel confused at all which means either I'm not or I'm so confused I don't realize it. :-)

We're halfway through and there are still a lot of mysteries to be resolved.

1. Is Charlotte dead?

2. What was/is the true relationship between Charlotte and her uncle Martin? I think there is more there than Charlotte has let on.

3. If Charlotte was pregnant as Martin claims, what happened to the child?

4. Who are Molly's parents? (Not that I'm suggesting anything. :-) )

5. What is the real relationship between Alan Pinkerton and Edward Shade? Foole lied to Pinkerton about how Shade died. Is he lying to Pinkerton about all of it?

When Pinkerton is attacked in the alley momentarily he thinks he sees a large man come to the rescue, but it is only Foole. Did that stick with anyone other than me?

The bromance is growing. Pinkerton is begrudgingly coming to like and respect Foole. But is Pinkerton too much of a detective to let that get in the way if he finds out Foole was involved in the diamond heist or another theft? I'm not so sure how Foole feels about Pinkerton. I'm interested to see if Pinkerton can break the stranglehold his father has on him.

Martin takes all the diamonds but is caught when he arrives in England. At least I think its when he arrives in England. And I'm wondering if someone didn't turn him in.

Perhaps the past and present will merge for Foole and Pinkerton when the "truth" is revealed, and maybe that's necessary.

Finally, it is alleged by Foole (more rumor than fact) that Dickens visited opium dens. I've never read a Dickens' biography. Is this true?

Xan Shadowflutter wrote: "Perhaps the past and present will merge for Foole and Pinkerton when the "truth" is revealed, and maybe that's necessary."

This is how my mind is capturing and processing it.

Xan Shadowflutter wrote: "Finally, it is alleged by Foole (more rumor than fact) that Dickens visited opium dens. I've never read a Dickens' biography. Is this true?"

I know that he often visited slums as a part of his research for his novels and as a social advocate. He might have visited the opium dens as well.

http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/d...

I know that in the novel Drood Dan Simmons is exploring this topic of slums and dens, but alas, the narrator is highly unreliable.

I don't feel confused either, rather intrigued. I think that the group read is definitely a plus.

And wow Mr. Fisk was back. I never liked him. What is the story there?

So many mysteries and yes, perhaps there is a bromace blossoming. Trust and truth are the main barriers for them but perhaps they will overcome these?

There are so many odd relationships in the novel between children and adults that you have to wonder if there are familial ties that we haven't uncovered yet. The trip that Adam takes to the Sharper sisters' home was a peak into his heart. And the last line of that section, "...fingers splayed, palm open, like a hand extended in offering."..powerful.

MichelleCH wrote: "And the last line of that section, "...fingers splayed, palm open, like a hand extended in offering."..powerful."

The prose is very poignant, very poised, and very sensual. It often reminds me of the fin de siecle photos where black and white images are captured in the transience because of the prolonged exposure. To put in in simple words, the writing superbly recreates the atmosphere ...

He is the poet, after all.

I agree, I am not confused either, although there are still a lot of unanswered questions! Many of which Xan outlined nicely in post 2.

I do think much of what Foole told Pinkerton here was untruth, probably with just enough truth mixed in to sell it. But even William was suspicious of the story he was told. I do find it interesting that the father Pinkerton seems to have a hold on BOTH men, and perhaps even as father figure for both. Strange how he can have such an effect on these men, even after his death.

Xan Shadowflutter wrote: "When Pinkerton is attacked in the alley momentarily he thinks he sees a large man come to the rescue, but it is only Foole. Did that stick with anyone other than me?"

Foole does thank Japheth for coming to his rescue and saving his life after this event. I think he even says "that was you, wasn't it?" and Japheth replies something to the effect of "my fists say yes" referring to his bloodied knuckles. William had met Japheth, who first came to put him and Foole together, right? I'm surprised he didn't figure out who he really saw.