The Meaning of Night: A Confession by Michael Cox

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

One evening, Edward Glyver murders a complete stranger. His reason: he had to make sure he could kill someone before attempting to kill his enemy, the poet Phoebus Rainsford Daunt. In order for the reader to understand his actions, Glyver tells his life story, from his days as a young boy in the English countryside to his current situation in London. He tells readers of his early friendship with Daunt and the resulting betrayal by Daunt that completely ruined Glyver’s life. Further life-changing events occur before the stranger’s murder, which sets Glyver on this path of ultimate revenge against Daunt.

Set in England during the 1800s, this novel is filled with desire, intrigue, romance and revenge. This is a 700 page novel, but it is well worth the read! While the ending is pretty predictable, I think it is still quite interesting to watch Glyver’s transformation into a cold-blooded killer. Those who like historical fiction will love the historic English setting; Cox acts as the editor in this book (editing the manuscript left behind by Glyver) and thus sprinkles historical anecdotes and references throughout the novel, allowing the reader to make historical connections to slang and other remarks made by Glyver. Those who love psychological thrillers or mysteries will also enjoy this novel. Glyver convinces himself he is in the right and refuses to listen to reason or turn away from his obsessions. In the end, he has to wonder if all of his actions were worth it.

Reviewed by Jessica