Books by Eleanor Catton

3. Eleanor Catton, The Luminaries .  I’ve read 200 pages of this 800 pp. novel and am not sure whether I should continue.  It is set in 19th century Otago, New Zealand, it focuses on the obscure criminal activities of some migrant derelicts (and elites), and it has superb writing and plot.  It could be one of the books of the year.  But do I care?  Perhaps this FT review nails it .