Positives Jo Walton's Farthing is widely praised for its unique and compelling premise, setting a Golden Age English country house murder mystery within an alternate 1949 where Britain made peace with Nazi Germany. Reviewers commend the author's skillful blending of genres, which creates a fresh and brilliant take on both the murder mystery and speculative fiction. The book is particularly lauded for its powerful social commentary, effectively exploring themes of fascism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, class distinctions, and the gradual erosion of freedom. Many found its exploration of how ordinary people reconcile themselves to systematic hatred to be chillingly relevant. The dual narrative, alternating between the aristocratic Lucy Kahn and Inspector Carmichael, is consistently highlighted as well-executed, offering contrasting perspectives through engaging and often elegant prose that builds continuous tension.
Negatives However, some readers found the murder mystery aspect to be less satisfying, describing it as unchallenging or feeling that it was quickly resolved and overshadowed by the broader political narrative. While the alternate history premise was widely appreciated, a few reviewers desired more depth in the worldbuilding, suggesting it sometimes lacked creativity or felt less essential to the core story. Criticisms also extended to certain character choices, with some finding the high number of non-heterosexual characters to be statistically unlikely or a "forced metaphor." Additionally, some noted issues with pacing, describing parts as slow or repetitive, and questioned the plausibility of certain character behaviors or minor plot details.
Conclusion Ultimately, Farthing is a thought-provoking and often unsettling novel that uses its alternate history framework to deliver a potent social and political commentary. It is recommended for readers who appreciate genre-bending fiction, particularly those interested in historical mysteries with a darker, politically charged atmosphere and a strong focus on societal issues. Readers who enjoy cautionary tales and are prepared for a less traditional, potentially grim or unresolved conclusion, rather than a lighthearted "cozy" mystery, are most likely to find this book a compelling and memorable read.
