Ulverton

by Adam Thorpe
Ulverton cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 6867
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-05
  • ISBN: 9781448130061
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2012-01-31
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Ulverton is a unique novel that weaves together the history of a fictional English village over three hundred years. Through a variety of narrative forms—diaries, sermons, letters, and even film scripts—the book brings to life the unrecorded stories of its inhabitants. From a soldier returning from Cromwell's army to a modern-day real estate company uncovering ancient secrets, each voice adds a layer to the village's complex history. The novel is praised for its innovative structure and the way it blurs the line between fiction and historical record, offering a fresh perspective on the passage of time and the enduring nature of human experience. /n/n The book features an introduction by Robert Macfarlane, highlighting its literary significance and the way it captures the essence of England's hidden past. Ulverton is a masterful exploration of how stories are told and preserved, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction and the art of storytelling.

Reviews
Lakefront Review of Books · 2022-11-11
experimental 3.00

Ulverton is seen as experimental and lacking traditional novel elements like enduring characters. Despite this, it offers a unique reading experience.

This review highlights Ulverton's experimental nature. It's a book that doesn't follow the usual rules of storytelling, which might be a turn-off for some readers. However, the reviewer seems to appreciate this uniqueness, describing it as a strong whiff of experimentation. The book is seen as missing some of the things you expect in a novel, but it makes up for it with its unique approach. It's a book that challenges conventional notions of what a novel should be, offering a fresh and intriguing reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Ulverton gives off a strong whiff of experimentation.

    It's missing a lot of the things you expect in a novel: characters who last longer than

    but it makes up for it with its unique approach.

Many Headed Monster · 2016-08-30
revelatory 4.00

The latest chapter in Ulverton is described as a revelation, showcasing the author's cleverness. The twist at the end is seen as dramatically problematizing the narrative.

This review paints Ulverton as a book that grows on you. The reviewer finds the latest chapter particularly brilliant, highlighting the author's cleverness. They seem to appreciate the book's complexity and the way it keeps the reader engaged with unexpected twists. The twist at the end is a standout feature, adding a layer of depth to the narrative. It's a book that seems to reward those who delve deeper into its pages.

Quick quotes

    Latest chap. in Ulverton a revelation, doubleplus clever

    definitely warming up to it.

    Twist at end of story dramatically problematises the

The Guardian · Adam Thorpe · 2012-12-15
challenging 3.50

The book is eccentric and challenging, with whole sections written in dialect. The reviewer appreciates its uniqueness but acknowledges it may not appeal to everyone.

This novel is certainly not your typical read. It's a bit of a wild ride with its unconventional structure and dialect-heavy sections. The reviewer, who happens to be the author, notes that the first review of the book was mediocre, which might hint at its polarizing nature. However, they seem to appreciate the book's ambition and the way it defies conventional storytelling. It's a book that demands patience and an open mind, but for those who stick with it, there's a rewarding experience waiting.

Quick quotes

    The first review of Ulverton was mediocre, and it is an eccentric book: whole chunks of it are in dialect.

    So I wasn't expecting much.

    One can hardly say I've been unambitious.

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