Rose
By: Martin Cruz Smith
About This Book
"THE MOST INTERESTING AND RICHLY TEXTURED CRIME STORY OF THE SEASON". --Time The year is 1872. The place is Wigan, England, a coal town where rich mine owners live lavishly alongside miners no better than slaves. Into this dark complicated world comes Jonathan Blair, who has accepted a commission to find a missing man. As he begins his search every road leads back to one woman, a haughty, vixenish pit girl named Rose. With her fiery hair and skirts pinned up over trousers, she cares nothing for a society that calls her unnatural, scandalous, erotic. As Rose and Blair circle one another, first warily, then with the heat of mutual desire, Blair loses his balance. And the lull induced by Rose's sensual touch leaves him unprepared for the bizarre, soul scorching truth. . . . "[SMITH] AT THE TOP OF HIS FORM. . . . It is fun, the well-plotted, dense fun of an intelligent, shadowy, literary enigma. . . . Brisk and edifying entertainment". --The New York Times "SUPERIOR . . . Rose has one of those powerfully involving plots that keeps you in an enjoyable dither, eager to turn the pages and reluctant to reach the last one". --Chicago Tribune "A JOY TO READ". --The Washington Post Book World
AI Overview
"Rose" by Martin Cruz Smith is a 1996 novel set in 1872 Wigan, Lancashire, England, a district known for its extensive coal mines. The story revolves around Jonathan Blair, a down-on-his-luck American mining engineer who has been emotionally and financially "conned" into searching for Wigan’s missing curate, John Maypole. Bishop Hannay, who owns the town and its mines, offers Blair a one-way trip back to Africa in exchange for finding Maypole.
Plot Summary
Blair must navigate the various social strata of Wigan, from the lowest to the highest, and delve into the town's crooked ancient alleys and vast underground tunnels and drifts. Along the way, he encounters a "pit girl," a tough and libidinous woman who works in the mines, and becomes embroiled in a mystery that involves the local elite and the corrupt Bishop Hannay. The novel explores themes of identity, class, and the complexities of human relationships.
Key Themes
- Identity: Blair's rootlessness and lack of knowledge about his family serve as a backdrop to his search for Maypole. His experiences in Africa and his reputation as "Nigger" Blair add to his enigmatic nature.
- Class: The novel highlights the stark contrasts between the wealthy elite, like Bishop Hannay, and the working-class miners. This dichotomy is reflected in the descriptions of Wigan's industrial landscape and the social dynamics within the town.
- Corruption: The character of Bishop Hannay exemplifies corruption and manipulation, using his power to control the town and its inhabitants.
- Romance: A surprising romance develops between Blair and a local woman, adding a personal dimension to his quest.
Critical Reception
- Literary Style: Critics have praised Smith's writing style, noting that it reads like poetry in both description and dialogue. His use of English speech rhythms has been particularly commended.
- Historical Accuracy: The descriptions of coal mining life in 1872 Wigan have been praised for their authenticity.
- Dickensian Influence: The novel has been compared to Dickensian works due to its vivid portrayal of industrial life and its complex characters. However, some critics have noted that the events and conversations on the surface seem out of place compared to the authentic coal mining descriptions.
- Overall Reception: The book has been described as a "perfect jewel of a book" with a richly woven plot and engaging characters. It has been praised for its ability to balance mystery, romance, and historical detail.
Additional Notes
Setting: The novel is set in a coal-mining town in industrial Lancashire, which is vividly described as a place under a "glittering veil of soot".
- Characters: Blair is a rootless American with deep experience in mining and African exploration. He is a complex character with a troubled past and an enigmatic reputation.
Overall, "Rose" by Martin Cruz Smith is a complex and engaging novel that explores themes of identity, class, and corruption set against the backdrop of 19th-century industrial England. Its richly detailed descriptions and well-crafted plot have garnered critical acclaim.