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The Man Who Was Thursday

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1908

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Book Brief

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G. K. Chesterton

The Man Who Was Thursday

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1908
Book Details
Pages

138

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London • Early 20th Century

Publication Year

1908

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Man Who Was Thursday is a thriller novel by G.K. Chesterton in which detective Gabriel Syme infiltrates an anarchist council in Edwardian London, only to discover that all members, except the enigmatic leader Sunday, are undercover detectives. The story explores themes of order vs. chaos as the detectives pursue Sunday, leading to a surreal and philosophical climax.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Humorous

Fantastical

Reviews & Readership

3.9

44,869 ratings

66%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

G. K. Chesterton's The Man Who Was Thursday receives praise for its witty prose, imaginative plot, and philosophical depth. Readers admire its blend of mystery, fantasy, and theological themes. However, some find the narrative's surreal twists confusing and its conclusion unsatisfying. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking and intriguing read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Man Who Was Thursday?

Readers who enjoy thought-provoking mysteries, philosophical puzzles, and allegorical storytelling will appreciate G. K. Chesterton's The Man Who Was Thursday. Similar in appeal to Kafka’s The Trial and Orwell’s 1984, this novel captivates those intrigued by surreal narratives that explore themes of anarchy, identity, and order.

3.9

44,869 ratings

66%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Gabriel Syme/Thursday

Gabriel Syme is a poet and philosopher turned policeman with fair hair and blue eyes, infiltrating the anarchist movement with both philosophical and spiritual motivations. He is central to the plot, with much of the narrative focusing on his thoughts and interactions with other characters.

Lucian Gregory is a dark-red-haired anarchist with a fiery personality, serving as an antagonist and facilitating Syme's infiltration into the anarchist movement. He is characterized by his hatred for society and desire to destroy the world.

Sunday is a large, white-haired figure who paradoxically presides over the Central Anarchist Council and plays a pivotal role in the detectives’ journey. Both authoritative and enigmatic, his presence dominates every scene.

The Secretary, also known as Monday, is the first council member Syme meets, recognizable by his intellectual visage and sinister smile. His identity remains ambiguous until later in the novel.

Gogol is initially depicted with wild brown hair and a Polish accent but is later revealed to have an entirely different appearance. He is the first policeman to be exposed among the council members.

The Marquis de St. Eustache is a distinguished man with a square-cut beard who works undercover as Inspector Ratcliffe. His dual identity is significant to the unfolding intrigue within the anarchist council.

Professor de Worms, while appearing old and frail, is actually a young actor and detective named Wilks utilizing his disguise to penetrate the anarchists’ circle. His disguise contributes to the mystery surrounding the council.

Dr. Bull is a short, clean-shaven man shrouded in secrecy due to his dark spectacles, leaving his eyes hidden. Initially perceived as threatening, he plays a key role in the unfolding assassination plot.

Rosamond Gregory, with gold-red hair, is Lucian Gregory’s calm and motherly sister, offering a stark contrast to her brother’s intense nature. She is the sole female character, embodying maternal and tranquil characteristics.

Book Details
Pages

138

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London • Early 20th Century

Publication Year

1908

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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