The reviews for The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton offer a mix of praise and criticism. Critics commend its intricate plot and detailed historical setting in 1860s New Zealand, highlighting Catton's ambitious storytelling and rich character development. However, some find the novel's complex structure and length challenging, potentially detracting from reader engagement.

Ideal for readers who relish intricate narratives and richly detailed historical fiction, The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton appeals to fans of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke and The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. With a complex cast and a plot structured around astrological charts, it suits those who appreciate literary puzzles and Victorian-era settings.

The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton follows Walter Moody, a young Scotsman who arrives in Hokitika, New Zealand, in 1866 during the gold rush, where he becomes embroiled in a mystery involving a suspicious death, a disappearance, and a cache of gold. As Moody helps unravel the complex tale, the narrative reveals the interwoven lives of diverse townsfolk and employs astrological motifs to explore themes of fortune, identity, and societal conflict. The novel contains derogatory terms and depictions of drug use, violence, and suicide.

Mysterious / Informative / Suspenseful / Contemplative / Gritty

Eleanor Catton

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Luminaries reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Luminaries | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Luminaries and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Luminaries Summary

Background

The Luminaries Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “A Sphere Within a Sphere”

Part 1 The Luminaries Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Auguries”

Part 2 The Luminaries Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The House of Self-Undoing”

Part 3 The Luminaries Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Paenga-wha-wha”

Part 4 The Luminaries Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Weight and Lucre” - Part 6: “The Window and the Weeds”

Parts 5-6

The Luminaries Parts 5-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Domicile”

Parts 7-12

The Luminaries Parts 7-12 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Luminaries Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Luminaries Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Luminaries Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Luminaries Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Luminaries Essay Topics

The Luminaries

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Luminaries?

Reading Age

Book Details