For me this was an historical novel, pulling us into the lives of Charles Dickens and the Franklins.The title 'Wanting' becomes clear, how this desire affects our lives and those around us.I felt a huge sadness for Lady Jane, her desire to clear her husbands name, her childlessness and then the adoption of Mathinna which brought no lasting happiness.if you enjoy historical novels then this is one for you.Waterstone's Cardholder

This is an interesting novel to someone like myself who lived in Australia for a short time. And especially so since i worked in the State Archive of Western Australia collating their images of Aboriginal peoples. The action in this novel moves between Lady Jane Franklin in Van Dieman's Land and Charles Dickens in London, in striking contrast to each other. This is the second novel about Charles Dickens that i have read in the last year and i have to say that i prefered the other one (Girl in a Blue Dress). However, i have to say it left a little bit of a bad taste in my mouth to see the characters all running around "Wanting" things like little children and then not appreciating them when they had them. Waterstones Cardholder

This was a surprising read as I tend to shy away from historical novels. The factual content and endless dates and characters usually fail to hold my concentration, but this novel by Richard Flanagan was different. Flanagan cleverly takes bare historical fact and weaves it into this passionate tale. Reading about such historical characters as Dickens and the Franklins within the more private realm of their secret desires and heartaches is entrancing. Unfortunately there are times in the book when this powerful flow of emotion and wonderful description is a little weaker, with me losing interest for a short time. Yet the further into the book you delve the more the topic of wanting reveals itself. It reveals how much the emotion of desire can shape us and our lives as you learn of the tragedies brought to the characters by both giving into and suppressing their desires. You can not help but consider the effect of your deepest desires upon your own soul.Waterstone's Cardholder