The Night Climbers Book

The Night Climbers wears its influences on its sleeve so clearly that the sole quote displayed on the cover proclaims: 'Lapped up The Secret History? Then this one's for you.' Obviously, I had to read it as soon as possible. However, now I've finished it I'm wondering about that context of that quote, and whether the reviewer who wrote it meant it as a compliment.

It's ironic that a significant element of the plot involves the protagonist forging a copy of a valuable work of art, because this book is a virtual facsimile of The Secret History. James, the narrator, now a successful barrister, receives a visit from an old friend which stirs up unwanted memories of his days at Cambridge university. In flashbacks, we see how the younger James found himself inducted into a close-knit group known as the Night Climbers (because they scale the roofs of Cambridge's buildings after dark, although this isn't much more than an incidental detail in the end). The group is led by decadent, wealthy Francis, and typically, James, who comes from a less impressive background (though in this case 'less impressive' means he still went to private school, he just isn't filthy rich) feels like something of an outsider and is completely enthralled by his new friends. And then SOMETHING TERRIBLE happens and the group is torn apart... etc etc. You know the drill.

The writing is erudite but somehow soulless. It's not dissimilar to Tartt's, but where a better writer might have been able to push beyond the obvious influence and make something great out of it (as was the case with Naomi Alderman's The Lessons), here it just feels like a pastiche. It seems like the sort of thing you might come out with at the beginning of a creative writing course, with about 5 metaphors and similes on every page. There isn't anything specifically wrong with the plot and there are actually lots of great scenes, with Cambridge evoked rather well (although I could have done without the name-dropping of every shop, road, landmark etc). However, the characters aren't at all likeable, and James in particular was someone I just couldn't warm to.

I'm aware that the author was only about 25 when this book was published, and some respect is due for that; it's simply an immature debut, and maybe he will write something much better in years to come. I couldn't hate this book because it dealt with a lot of themes and situations I will always be fascinated by. However, ultimately it's just another mediocre rip-off of a superior novel.