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The Adversary by Michael Crummey

The Adversary

A Novel

by Michael Crummey

  • Critics' Consensus (9):
  • Readers' Rating (19):
  • Published:
  • Feb 2024, 336 pages
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There are currently 19 reader reviews for The Adversary
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Jonathan

Good Book
Michael Crummey's "The Adversary" is a compelling and profound work of literature, dealing with universal themes such as courage, perseverance, and the fight against fate. Crummey succeeds in creating a rich and atmospheric world in Newfoundland, immersing readers in the harsh and demanding lives of coastal communities.

Crummey beautifully explores humanity's relationship with nature. The detailed descriptions of nature give a strong nuance to the story, making readers feel the cool sea breeze, hear the waves crashing, and feel the excitement of coastal life. It is not only a background, but also a living andmore
Janet C. (st. petersburg, FL)

The Adversary by Michael Crummey
Set in Newfoundland during brutal winters, this book tells the tale of a brother and sister battling for control of their coastal fishing and mercantile port in the late 1700s.

The story is violent and cruel which is at times hard to read. The characters are well-developed but so unlikeable it was difficult for me to choose to root for either of them (or the other characters for that matter).

The author does a fabulous job with his archaic language usage and descriptive prose which kept this vocabulary lover entranced in the book.

I am looking forward to reading more from Mr. Crummey. Thank you BookBrowse andmore
Patricia G. (Washington, DC)

One of Michael Crummey's best efforts
Michael Crummey's sixth historical novel is set in the isolated port town of Mockbeggar, Newfoundland, sometime in the late nineteenth century. Two sworn enemies, siblings Abe Strapp and the Widow Caines, are pitted against each other in a ruthless battle over commerce and resources, and innocent lives are ultimately drawn into the battle. Mockbeggar is populated with hard working and resourceful folk, who persist in life and love despite plague, pirates and devastating storms. As with most of his novels, the bleak and unforgiving landscape shapes the characters and moves the plot forward.

The most outstandingmore
John W. (Saint Louis, MO)

Disturbing Tale about Sibling Rivalry
This was my first but not last book written by Michael Crummey. I plan to read The Innocents next to determine whether it will give me further insights into The Adversary. If you want a book where one or more of the main characters are likeable, you won't find it in this book. it is a dark tale set in rugged 18 century Newfoundland. It's offenses followed by counter-offenses with little compassion or caring for the damage caused. The people caught in the middle of the power struggle are who you root for in this book.
Ruthie A. (Jersey City, NJ)

Another amazing novel by Michael Crummy
I love Michael Crummy, He is one of my favourite authors. That being said he does not write sunny, shiny novels, he writes about hardship, strife, conflict and darkness. His characters live in remote communities in Newfoundland usually reliant on the fishing industry. The lifestyle is rough and danger is everywhere, from the elements, the work, and most importantly the people. Tough times means tough people, add in religion, superstition, lack of true law and order, lack of education and you are going to have danger, suspicion, fear and trauma.

This novel revolves around two wealthy siblings Abe Strapp and hismore
Jill S. (Durham, NC)

Power dynamics gone awry: dark, quirky and excellent
If you've ever read Michael Crummey's novels, you know you can expect a few things: a dark, ambiance-rich Newfoundland setting, quirky and superbly crafted characters, and stunningly written prose. In The Adversary, he outdoes himself. This is his best book yet.

Set in a small fishing village called Mockbeggar in the 18th century, there are really three adversaries here. One is Abe Strapp, a thoroughly immoral and corrupt dispenser of justice (who strongly resembles a certain political figure, which I believe is deliberate). The other: Abe's older sister, the Widow Caines, a Quaker who is distinguished by hermore
Carol R. (North Mankato, MN)

Stick with it!
I wanted to quit reading this book after a chapter or two because I couldn't understand most of the story. The desolate setting of Mockbeggar, Newfoundland, as well as the numerous characters with odd names, and archaic language, made this a difficult book to read. Eventually the true (evil) character of dysfunctional siblings, Abe Strap and Window Caines, unfolds as the townspeople became collateral damage in their ongoing competition to control the commerce of the area. Anglican Beadle, the third main character, aligned himself with Abe but I hoped he would take the high road and save the village frommore
Lea Sucgang

A Poetic Novel of Loss, Betrayal, and Resilience
The book is challenging and inspires me. The novel follows the story of a family living in a remote Newfoundland community and their struggles with loss, grief, and betrayal. The author's writing style is both poetic and raw, drawing me into the harsh realities of life in a small, isolated community. The characters are advanced and their relationships are complicated, making for a compelling and emotional to read.

One of the things I appreciated most about the book was its intriguing and the resilience of people will go to protect themselves and their loved ones. The themes of trust, loyalty, and forgiveness aremore
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