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Company of Liars summary
Brief summary
Company of Liars by Karen Maitland is a historical fiction novel set in 1348, during the time of the Black Death. It follows a group of travelers, each with their own secrets and pasts, as they journey through a plague-ravaged England, facing danger and betrayal.
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Company of Liars
Summary of key ideas
The Start of a Dark Journey
In Company of Liars by Karen Maitland, we are transported to England in 1348, a time when the Black Death is ravaging the country. A group of nine strangers, each with their own secrets and pasts, come together to form an unlikely company as they set out to escape the plague. The leader of the group, a storyteller named Camelot, is a relic-seller with a mysterious past and a penchant for spinning tales that may or may not be true.
As the group travels through the bleak and desolate landscape, their journey is fraught with danger, both from the plague and from external threats. The first to join the company is a young girl, Narigorm, who claims to be a mute but is actually a seer with an uncanny ability to predict death. She is accompanied by her father, Zophiel, a healer with a dark secret. The next addition is a couple, a painter named Rodrigo and his heavily pregnant wife, Adela, who are fleeing a past filled with tragedy and loss.
Secrets and Deceptions
The company's journey takes them through various towns and villages, each with its own set of horrors and secrets. As they travel, the group members gradually reveal their own secrets, and it becomes clear that none of them are who they claim to be. The company is indeed made up of liars, each with their own hidden agenda and past that they are desperate to keep buried.
One of the most intriguing members of the group is Cygnus, an enigmatic one-armed man who is a master of deception. His true identity and motives remain a mystery, and his presence adds an air of unease and tension to the already fraught company. As the group's journey becomes increasingly perilous, they must rely on each other, despite their mutual distrust and the growing realization that they are all connected by a web of lies and deceit.
A Desperate Quest for Survival
As the group continues their journey, they face a series of trials and tribulations, including betrayal, murder, and encounters with supernatural forces. They are forced to confront their own fears and prejudices, and their initial quest to escape the plague transforms into a desperate struggle for survival in a world that seems to be unraveling around them.
Throughout their journey, Camelot remains the group's de facto leader, using his storytelling skills to distract and entertain the others, while subtly manipulating their actions to serve his own hidden agenda. However, the group members are not as naive as he believes, and they begin to suspect his true nature and motives.
The Unraveling of Deception
As the group nears their final destination, it becomes clear that their journey has been orchestrated by forces beyond their control. The truth about each member's past and their connection to one another is revealed in a series of shocking twists and turns. It is also revealed that Camelot is not who he claims to be, and his true identity is tied to a dark and disturbing secret from their shared past.
In the end, the company of liars is disbanded, and each member is left to face their own fate. Some find redemption, while others meet a tragic end. The survivors are forever changed by their harrowing journey, and the web of lies and deception that once bound them together is finally unraveled.
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What is Company of Liars about?
Company of Liars by Karen Maitland is a gripping historical fiction novel set in 1348 during the time of the Black Death. It follows a group of travelers who band together to escape the plague and seek refuge. Each member harbors dark secrets and tells their own version of the truth, creating an atmosphere of suspicion and mystery. As they journey through a land fraught with danger and superstition, the true nature of their companions is gradually revealed.
Company of Liars Review
Company of Liars (2008) weaves a tale of deceit and survival during the plague in medieval England, offering a unique reading experience. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Its intriguing mix of characters and secrets keeps you guessing until the very end, adding layers of complexity to the storyline.
- The historical backdrop of the Black Death provides a gripping setting that enhances the suspense and urgency of the plot.
- With its twists and turns that challenge conventional beliefs, the book offers a fresh perspective on trust and betrayal that will captivate readers looking for something different.
Who should read Company of Liars?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction set in the medieval period
Those who appreciate complex and morally ambiguous characters
People who are intrigued by mysteries and unreliable narrators
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Company of Liars FAQs
What is the main message of Company of Liars?
The main message of Company of Liars is that secrets can unravel even the tightest bonds.
How long does it take to read Company of Liars?
Reading Company of Liars takes a few hours, but our Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.
Is Company of Liars a good book? Is it worth reading?
Company of Liars is a captivating tale of deceit and survival, making it a must-read for those who enjoy historical fiction.
Who is the author of Company of Liars?
Karen Maitland is the author of Company of Liars.
What to read after Company of Liars?
If you're wondering what to read next after Company of Liars, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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