Moartea la Deptford

A Dead Man in Deptford is the tale of a man named Christopher Marlowe, who in not so many words, is Shakespeare before Shakespeare. Marlowe was an English play write and poet in Elizabethan England. This novel captures his life, told with a charismatic narrative. Anthony Burgess writes like a man who has lived during the 19th century and many centuries before. His writing doesn't try to mimic that of a by gone time, because it has achieved it. I almost forgot that the book was published in the 90s, as it felt so much like a classic. It just goes to show Burgess' love for history and writing, as he has clearly put his blood, sweat and tears into his work. A Dead Man in Deptford is somewhat of a slow burner, though bouts of mischievous dialogue, acts and narrative are bound to keep you entertained. Alongside poetry and play writing there is a lot of talk upon the subject of religion. Religion is almost always on the agenda throughout this book as the characters discuss, debate and continuously argue upon beliefs and their opinions about God, church and his disciples. Kit (Christopher) Marley, Merlin, Marlow, whatever his name shall be, is a character with strong will. He has the free spirit of a poet and a mind of one who wonders, and for this I admire him. He has his opinions, as so many of us do, but is always willing to be taught. Many of the characters he encounters throughout the book have different views, which he takes on as the story progresses; either using the new found information to broaden his own opinion or to understand the opinions of those he does not agree with.I enjoyed reading Burgess' work. I believe this to be his last novel and I must say he went out with a bang. Such a brilliant book that I highly recommend.