The Gods of Gotham

Book Review: The Gods of Gotham

As I dove into the pages of Lyndsay Faye’s The Gods of Gotham, I was immediately transported to the gritty and treacherous streets of 1840s New York City. Faye’s vivid and descriptive writing style brought the city to life in such a way that I felt as though I could see, smell, and hear everything around me.

The plot revolves around Timothy Wilde, a former bartender turned newly appointed “copper star” (police officer) whose life is turned upside down when he stumbles upon a horrific crime scene. As he delves deeper into the investigation, Wilde uncovers a web of corruption, greed, and secrets that threatens to tear apart not only his own life but also that of everyone around him.

One aspect that really resonated with me was Faye’s portrayal of the city’s social inequality and political corruption. Through her characters’ struggles and experiences, she exposes the harsh realities faced by those living in poverty and sheds light on the injustices perpetuated by those in positions of power.

However, as much as I was captivated by Faye’s writing style and social commentary, there were moments where I felt that certain plot points were overly predictable or formulaic. Despite this minor critique though, overall The Gods of Gotham is an excellent read that kept me engaged from beginning to end.

In terms of scoring, I would give this book an 8 out of 10. It has all the makings of a compelling historical fiction novel – engaging characters, well-plotted twists and turns – while also providing important insights into society during this time period. Readers who enjoy books set in this era or who have an interest in crime fiction will definitely want to add The Gods of Gotham to their reading lists.

The Gods of Gotham

publishedDate : 2012-03-15

authors : Lyndsay Faye

publishers : Penguin

pageCount : 480