It's a beautiful book. Susanna Clarke has woven this fantasy tale wonderfully. Her imaginary world seems more real than the original world. The statues and their manifestation draw comparisons from the real world to discuss the various aspects of loneliness.
It would seem like the author has given away the plot by the apparent obtuseness of the main character but do remember that it's not a thriller. Even if you can predict the plot, you should read for the prose. You would gain fresh perspe...

The back of the book was obviously used below a cutter. The dust jacket has cuts in it. It's a shame because they packaged it well but the book was damaged.