I found this book challenging to read, not because of content or themes but because of the writing style and cliches. I do believe there is an audience for this book, but since my reviews are through the lens of a public librarian, I will say that I don't feel that this book would have wide appeal amongst my patrons.

This was an enormously disappointing novel. It's clear that the author has potential as a writer, but he falls short of fulfillment here. Cliche follows cliche for far too many pages. There were so many intriguing elements (power and corruption, class, race) that just weren't explored in a complex or interesting way. I enjoy reading "good" and "bad" characters--meaning that I don't require characters to be relatable or redeemable. But these characters simply weren't interesting, and interest is one thing I do require. I was grateful to receive an e-ARC of this title from NetGalley, so I did finish it, hoping all the while that it would develop and reverse my early opinions. Unfortunately, it did not. I also found some of the narrative choices re: depictions of women and POC verging on the problematic. I do hope others will find more to admire in this novel than I could.

1.5 stars

Caledonian Road was a meticulously written, detailed look at modern British society. The sheer volume of the book initially intimidated me, but I quickly found myself wrapped up in this world. The number of characters also left me a little discombobulated at the beginning (you know you're in for a ride when there's a character glossary!). At first, I wasn't sure who was a passing character versus who I should focus on. Like I said, it didn't take too long to sort through what's what.

We primarily follow Campbell Flynn's journey, who has made a name for himself as an esteemed art historian and biographer. He schmoozes with other society types, and we peek into their conversations about art, academia, the political scene, and so much more. I enjoyed Flynn's story and appreciated the many obstacles and conflicting thoughts he went through over the course of this book.

Even though it does take a little bit to settle into the story, don't let it intimidate you! Caledonian Road is surely a book that will be talked about this summer.

"People have has enough and there are new energies in the world," says Moira Flynn, a Member of Parliament and attorney in Andrew O'Hagan's magnificent new novel. Like a book by Dickens, "Caledonian Road" brings people together from different strata of current London society. None are unblemished, but boy, are they all compelling and worthy of books of their own.

The main characters are Campbell Flynn, an art historian and "celebrity academic," as O'Hagan describes him. The other is Milo Mangasha, one of Campbell's graduate students at the University of London, who has a BS in computer science. Campbell grew up in Glasgow public housing, and Milo still lives with his father in council housing. His late mother, an Ethiopian immigrant, is still revered in the community as a teacher and activist. Both men have dear childhood friends who are involved in bad stuff. Both have connections to all sorts of people, nobility, human traffickers, mobsters, artists, drug dealers, you name it, and no one's head is resting easily.

There is such an air of nastiness beneath this modern world that you feel that those new energies Moira describes are just about to blow everything apart. O'Hagan describes a party as being like filthy litter on a windy day, spinning in circles and ready to lift off. Will Milo's computer brilliance and the activism instilled by his mother be able to bring some of the worst down? Will Campbell be able to find his way out of the nightmare he's created? The humanity of every character will keep you glued to the page, and their discoveries will keep you up at night.

Many, many thanks to WW Norton and Netgalley for a digital review copy of this novel in exchange for an honest. Read this book. It will both infuriate you and break your heart.