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An absorbing historical novel, this is a wonderful debut which was a pleasure to read. A tale of journeys both physical and emotional.
Wild, bewitching and propulsive, Sean Lusk's drama of prophetic visions, exotic feats of engineering, transgressive desire and familial love is one of those novels that makes you rejoice that we are a storytelling species. The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley, peopled with vivid characters and sumptuously-imagined scenery is a triumph of the imagination, of language, and of generosity. * Liz Jensen * Clegg said: "This is a rich, detailed and vibrant tale of a young man finding himself. It has everything you would want: wonderfully realised descriptions, unforgettable characters and a storyline that encompasses the essence of that human yearning for love and acceptance. And with a dash of magical realism, it is original, complex, funny and thoroughly immersive. I cannot wait for readers to fall in love with Zachary Cloudesley." It’s a rare book indeed that doesn’t transport you far away from the everyday, taking you on a richly imaginative journey, whether it’s into someone’s life, their innermost thoughts or to magical places that defy the intervention of the ordinary. But then a near-fatal accident will take Zachary away from the workshop and his family. His father will have to make a journey to Constantinople that he will never return from. And, years later, only Zachary can find out what happened. The prose is very well written, and it is genuinely funny, but the plot wasn't strong enough to hold attention. The father-son relationship is one of the book's strongest features, and I very much felt for Abel's plight.I was drawn to The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley by the setting – 18th century Constantinople – but I wasn’t sure that it would really be my sort of book. From the blurb, I was expecting a strong magical realism element, something I don’t always get on with. However, I was pleased to find that this aspect of the novel was actually much more subtle than I’d expected. Abel takes him and holds him, looking into his fierce dark blue eyes, their gaze fixed and penetrating, as unnerving as some creature wrenched from another universe entire. . . “ A beautifully crafted historical mystery that will take the reader from 18th century London, across Europe and, finally, to the bustling city of Constantinople." also isn't entirely accurate because Constantinople again plays a fairly minor role in the grand scheme of the book. It's not finally ends in Constantinople, mystery solved and the story wraps up. That's almost a mid point and after they return to England. I would say the book spends more time discussing Mrs Morley on Lundey than in Constantinople. Zachary is a gifted, brilliant little boy, the kind of child who will read anything he can find and probably remember most of it. The publicity for the story reveals that Zachary later loses the sight in one eye and develops a kind of clairvoyance, although he never seems quite certain what is true or not.
The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudsley, a lushly involving, resonant historical mystery with modern relevance and sensibility, sings the joys of loving so completely, regardless of how threatening or challenging life may be, that every moment feels epic even in its mundanity, every connection vibrantly necessary and every threat to those bonds a time to see how far you will go to save and uphold them. All manner of adventures ensue, including spying on the sultan, infiltrating the harem, and forming helpful alliances against terrifying opponents. The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudlesely is a fabulous, imaginative and magical read. The prose flows beautifully and Sean Lusk writes with a warmth and wit that makes this an immersive and exciting read. At the heart of this novel is the love of family, an aunt for her nephew, but most importantly the love between a father an son, a bond where they will do anything for each other. This is a truely bewitching book, heartwarming and atmosheric and one I highly recommend. But then a near-fatal accident will take Zachary away from the workshop and his family. His father will have to make a journey that he will never return from. And, years later, only Zachary can find out what happened. Abel is away in the workshop much of the day, nd Frances begins to think it might not be so difficult to persuade him that it will be best for Zachary to come home with her to Tring. If needs be Mrs Morley and her noisy daughter with her spotty face and bilious inclination can come too.” (P. 49)Longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2023 and the Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award 2023. It is hard to believe that this is Sean Lusk’s debut novel as it is so well written and researched. I thought the chapter headings fabulous , again in the manner of classic literature, so you have an idea of what is going to happen in each chapter. The setting of 1750’s which was an unstable England, seemingly at war with everyone is really interesting, the different political allegiances that ultimately catch an unwilling Able in their net, sending him to Constantinople on a mission he doesn’t want. Sean Lusk’s descriptive prose made me feel I was there with the characters, could see the beautiful minarets of Constantinople, the Hagia Sophia, the Ottoman Palace and the smell the beautiful spices in the air, which are all in complete contrast with the dullness of London and it’s not so pleasant aromas. I was fascinated by the descriptions of the fabulous creations in Abel’s workshop, especially the automon, which were popular at the time. The plot was pretty fast paced and I enjoyed reading not just Zachary and Abel’s stories but also those of the other characters, adding different dimensions to the book, and told with wit, comapssion and care.
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