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Company of Liars

This month readers of newbooks magazine, the magazine for readers groups, Company of Liars by Karen Maitland. These reviews first appeared in Issue 43 of the magazine, available in full at www.newbooksmag.com. Subscriptions to the magazine are also available at the website.

'This is a gripping tale of a group of travellers, who join together, to try to travel safely across England to avoid the outbreak of the plague. Gradually, their stories are revealed but, at the same time, their numbers diminish as one after another they meet their death. The reason for this is finally revealed, along with a twist that wasn't totally unexpected but makes you want to read the book again to look at the story from another angle. There's a great deal for a group to discuss as the book raises issues regarding death, lust and religion; themes still highly relevant today. It's also a fascinating personal read.'
Chantel Sankey

'A brilliantly told tale of a group of travellers in the time of the great plague. Thrown together by circumstance? Put together for a reason? None are what they seem and the tale unravels cleverly. Both the constant rain and deadly dreariness of the journey are masterfully portrayed. This is a truly satisfying story of love, hope, despair and faith. I loved it!'
Hilary Letch

'As the title intimates, all the members of the company are living a lie, and this leads to their final undoing. The darker side of the England of this time is well portrayed – the prevalent poverty, ignorance, religious bigotry and brutality – made worse by the fear of death by plague, although a few people along the way show them kindness. There is much here to provoke thought about why people lie, whether circumstances ever justify lying, and the possible consequences of lying. An excellent read for book groups, with plenty of issues to discuss.'
Miriam Bennett

'This was an enjoyable read which I didn't want to put down because it has a big 'what happens next' factor. Set in the Middle Ages, a dark time of superstition and unease, the plot follows a disparate group of travellers as they zigzag through England trying to reach a destination, any destination it seems, as long as it is away from the plague which is swirling all around them, and their own personal demons. The story is led by a narrator, a Camelot – a medieval pedlar, as explained in the glossary – and it is through this character that we meet the other travellers who make up the company. Each is hiding a secret which could get them into trouble if revealed. I think this book will be hugely popular. I would certainly recommend it.'
Cheryl Kellaway

'Karen Maitland certainly knows how to assault the senses: the sights, sounds and smells of the journey permeate the novel, seeping into the reader's mind as well as the characters' environment. This close quartered group of travellers spend their time telling tales, but what is real and what is not? Is it ever justified to recreate yourself through lies and what happens when we are forced to confront them? This is certainly an engaging novel and one that firmly places the reader in the period; subject to the fears and uncertainty that the travellers suffer. Overall, Company of Liars is a well crafted, entertaining read and with its wide array of themes and issues it is a novel that should delight any reading group.'
Nicola Leedham