With its visual scenes and epic sense of adventure, I could see Dark River Melody working brilliantly as a film. The writer's incredible imagination and descriptive writing transported me back to London in 1799. I got a vivid sense of the city, from the aroma of the industrious streets to the rotten odours of the repulsive Mr Sticks. The novel is extremely insightful, skillfully capturing the humour, hardship and friendships of the rebellious working classes. The authentic protagonist, Tom Gobey, is a pamphleteer who expresses his beliefs for justice and equality, rebelling against the rich, the King and the state Religion . This extensively researched novel gives an informative historical account of the political turmoil of the 1790s. The characterizations are also beautifully conceived, from the exasperated and dissolute aristocrat, Saffronetti, to the kind hearted bone-setter, Mrs Shapp. I enjoyed Tom Gobey's many adventures and his desire to meet once again with his sweetheart Eileen Dineen. Dark River Melody is one of these novels that transports you away and returns you home wanting more. M. D. Murphy is a talented new writer with a most promising future!