"Spellbinding…Along with a vivid setting and memorable characters, Crummey impresses with his dexterous use of language to convey the time period...This gripping page-turner is Crummey's masterpiece." —Publisher's Weekly (starred review)

"The sheer energy of the novel never flags. It's the latest superb effort by an author who couldn't be more deserving of greater recognition beyond his native Canada. An enthralling masterpiece." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Crummey masterfully builds the suspense while tempering the intensity with instances of selfless devotion. Crummey has quietly established himself as one of our best writers." —Booklist (starred review)

"Crummey weaves forgotten idioms into dialogue and action, creating a knotty, muscular, incantatory language that builds on Melville and Proulx as much as biblical antecedents…The story may be dark but each sentence sparkles….Exquisite prose. Spellbinding drama.… The Adversary is a magnificent novel that reinvents and subverts the Genesis account until its final page." —Minneapolis Star Tribune

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Rated of 5 by Jonathan
Good Book
Michael Crummey's "The Adversary" is a compelling and profound work of literature, dealing with universal themes such as courage, perseverance, and the fight against fate. Crummey succeeds in creating a rich and atmospheric world in Newfoundland, immersing readers in the harsh and demanding lives of coastal communities.

Crummey beautifully explores humanity's relationship with nature. The detailed descriptions of nature give a strong nuance to the story, making readers feel the cool sea breeze, hear the waves crashing, and feel the excitement of coastal life. It is not only a background, but also a living and animate element, as if nature itself were a character in this story.

The main characters introduced by Crummey are, without a doubt, the driving force of the story. The life of Abel, the main character, is described so honestly and touchingly that the reader can feel every joy and pain. Crummey succeeds in conveying human complexity and contradiction through his characters, making them vivid and convincing.

The inner and physical battles faced by Abel provide a deep emotional dimension to the story. Crummey explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and desire with impressive wit, keeping readers fully engaged in the main character's journey.

Crummey's storytelling style, rich in detail and imagination, creates a thick and compelling atmosphere. Beautiful prose and an orderly storyline make "The Adversary" a deep and meaningful reading experience.

Overall, "The Adversary" is an extraordinary work of literature, capturing the beauty and courage of humanity amidst the harshness of life. Michael Crummey succeeded in creating an unforgettable story, keeping readers enchanted throughout the story.

Rated of 5 by Janet C. (st. petersburg, FL)
The Adversary by Michael Crummey
Set in Newfoundland during brutal winters, this book tells the tale of a brother and sister battling for control of their coastal fishing and mercantile port in the late 1700s.

The story is violent and cruel which is at times hard to read. The characters are well-developed but so unlikeable it was difficult for me to choose to root for either of them (or the other characters for that matter).

The author does a fabulous job with his archaic language usage and descriptive prose which kept this vocabulary lover entranced in the book.

I am looking forward to reading more from Mr. Crummey. Thank you BookBrowse and NetGalley for pointing me toward this book and author.

Rated of 5 by Patricia G. (Washington, DC)
One of Michael Crummey's best efforts
Michael Crummey's sixth historical novel is set in the isolated port town of Mockbeggar, Newfoundland, sometime in the late nineteenth century. Two sworn enemies, siblings Abe Strapp and the Widow Caines, are pitted against each other in a ruthless battle over commerce and resources, and innocent lives are ultimately drawn into the battle. Mockbeggar is populated with hard working and resourceful folk, who persist in life and love despite plague, pirates and devastating storms. As with most of his novels, the bleak and unforgiving landscape shapes the characters and moves the plot forward.

The most outstanding feature of the book is his use of language. Crummey is the rare author who can completely let the characters tell the story, perhaps because he is also an accomplished poet, (he has published seven books of poetry). Every character, no matter how minor, is fully formed on the page. His prose is dark, but absolutely compelling. I was several chapters into the book when I realized that I had no idea what was happening in the story, but I was mesmerized by the writing and could not put the book down until I found out. However, by the end, it all comes together.

I personally think this is one of his best books. In spite of the dark themes and shocking finale, The Adversary is amazing. Crummey shows how against seemingly impossible odds, the human spirit perseveres. I strongly recommend this book.

Rated of 5 by John W. (Saint Louis, MO)
Disturbing Tale about Sibling Rivalry
This was my first but not last book written by Michael Crummey. I plan to read The Innocents next to determine whether it will give me further insights into The Adversary. If you want a book where one or more of the main characters are likeable, you won't find it in this book. it is a dark tale set in rugged 18 century Newfoundland. It's offenses followed by counter-offenses with little compassion or caring for the damage caused. The people caught in the middle of the power struggle are who you root for in this book.

Rated of 5 by Ruthie A. (Jersey City, NJ)
Another amazing novel by Michael Crummy
I love Michael Crummy, He is one of my favourite authors. That being said he does not write sunny, shiny novels, he writes about hardship, strife, conflict and darkness. His characters live in remote communities in Newfoundland usually reliant on the fishing industry. The lifestyle is rough and danger is everywhere, from the elements, the work, and most importantly the people. Tough times means tough people, add in religion, superstition, lack of true law and order, lack of education and you are going to have danger, suspicion, fear and trauma.

This novel revolves around two wealthy siblings Abe Strapp and his sister, the Widow Caines, both of whom are truly horrible people. Abe is a true bully, a bully with power who answers to no one. His sister is more cunning and controlled. Their evil manifests itself very differently and the havoc they wreck upon one another as well as the rest of the community seems endless. The one person who could restore some sense of order, the Anglican Beadle Clinch, is as, if not more corrupt than anyone else. That leaves the rest of the townspeople at their mercy.

The story is compelling, I struggled to put down this book! I was usually reading with a sense of dread, so this is not a relaxing beach book! The writing is, as always, poetic and evocative. Crummy manages to make the reader feel as if they are truly in this small village, experiencing the cold, the sea, the hunger and the fear. No one will protect the helpless villagers, they must try to keep their heads down and avoid the wrath of Strapp or the machinations of the Widow. On top of the horrors of the humans are the natural elements; neither the sea nor the weather show any mercy. Outsiders are also a danger. It is a wonder anyone survives.

It all sounds very grim, but it is a most impressive, unforgettable novel, as are all of the offerings by Michael Crummy.

Rated of 5 by Jill S. (Durham, NC)
Power dynamics gone awry: dark, quirky and excellent
If you've ever read Michael Crummey's novels, you know you can expect a few things: a dark, ambiance-rich Newfoundland setting, quirky and superbly crafted characters, and stunningly written prose. In The Adversary, he outdoes himself. This is his best book yet.

Set in a small fishing village called Mockbeggar in the 18th century, there are really three adversaries here. One is Abe Strapp, a thoroughly immoral and corrupt dispenser of justice (who strongly resembles a certain political figure, which I believe is deliberate). The other: Abe's older sister, the Widow Caines, a Quaker who is distinguished by her pipe and the donning of her dead husband's clothing, her pet crow, and her sharp tongue. To say they despise each other is putting it mildly. The third person, The Anglican, holier-than-thou Beadle, who has yoked himself to Abe Strapp.

Don't expect any "likable" characters or redemption here. This is a series of offenses and counter-offenses, with vindictive and yet riveting characters, determined to triumph in controlling Caines Mercantile, uncaring about the wreckage they leave in their wake.

The novel has plenty to keep readers glued to the page: a sibling relationship that gives new meaning to dysfunction, invading marauders, Abe's depraved brothel, scalding, amputations, public whippings, devastating storms, hypocritical religious leaders, a pandemic, and more. Yes, it's a dark tale that focuses on corruption and ruthlessness. But Michael Crummey knows how to milk some of the scenes for entertainment. Think of the old evening soap opera Dallas. You get this: villainous characters who fascinate and repel the reader. It is also a cautionary tale on power dynamics, relevant for today.

I loved this novel and couldn't tear myself away from it. I thank BookBrowse, Doubleday, and NetGalley for enabling me to be an early reader in exchange for an honest review.

Rated of 5 by Carol R. (North Mankato, MN)
Stick with it!
I wanted to quit reading this book after a chapter or two because I couldn't understand most of the story. The desolate setting of Mockbeggar, Newfoundland, as well as the numerous characters with odd names, and archaic language, made this a difficult book to read. Eventually the true (evil) character of dysfunctional siblings, Abe Strap and Window Caines, unfolds as the townspeople became collateral damage in their ongoing competition to control the commerce of the area. Anglican Beadle, the third main character, aligned himself with Abe but I hoped he would take the high road and save the village from imploding. It turns out he is perhaps the most cunning and powerful person in the village. While the book is a dark and violent, I found myself rooting for the powerless village inhabitants. The many unusual characters, disastrous weather, hunger, disease, and barbaric medical care, and a good dose of sexual innuendo kept me reading.

I am not sure I would recommend to my book club as the violence, difficult language, and large and complex cast of characters would be off putting to many. I, however, intend to read more of Michael Crummey!

Rated of 5 by Lea Sucgang
A Poetic Novel of Loss, Betrayal, and Resilience
The book is challenging and inspires me. The novel follows the story of a family living in a remote Newfoundland community and their struggles with loss, grief, and betrayal. The author's writing style is both poetic and raw, drawing me into the harsh realities of life in a small, isolated community. The characters are advanced and their relationships are complicated, making for a compelling and emotional to read.

One of the things I appreciated most about the book was its intriguing and the resilience of people will go to protect themselves and their loved ones. The themes of trust, loyalty, and forgiveness are woven throughout the story, making it a powerful and significant to read.

I highly recommend "The Adversary" to anyone looking for a beautifully written and challenging novel. It is a book that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page.

Rated of 5 by Janice A. (Colfax, WI)
The Adversary - Dark yet Intriguing
There were times while reading this book I debated whether to continue. The Adversary is full of quirky characters, debauchery, and violence yet also includes acts of kindness and a sense of community. Michael Crummy sets the book on the coast of Newfoundland, Canada during the early to mid-1800s. The main characters, Abe Stabb and a women known as The Widow, own the two major fish warehouses. Each provide for the salting, storage, and exporting of locally caught fish along with the importation of people and goods. Not only are they business adversaries, each has much different views of supporting and growing the community. Overall, the book is dark yet there were times that I laughed out loud.

Rated of 5 by Vivian H. (Winchester, VA)
Dark, Violent, Beautifully Written
The Adversary by Michael Crummy is not an easy read. The grim, dark, brutal story takes place in perhaps early 19th Century Mockbeggar, with the primary business being salted cod fisheries, on the coast of Newfoundland. The book follows the hatred and competition for control of the fisheries and related mercantile businesses between two siblings: Abe Strapp and the Widow. The author employs the unique language of the settlers and populates Mockbeggar and nearby Nonsuch with the Beadle, Matterface, Old Soot, the Duke of Limbs, Heater, and the Jerseyman. Despite the presence of the Church of England and a society of Quakers, the people are corrupt, soulless, conniving and mean-spirited. Because I love historical fiction and an author that uses words artfully in telling a tale, I am giving this book four stars. But, there is little positivity in The Adversary. Plague, amputations, scourging, retribution, piracy, graft, death, death and more death. Certainly not an uplifting book for the holiday season.

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Michael Crummey is an award-winning poet and storyteller. Crummey was born in Buchans, a mining town in the interior of Newfoundland. He is the bestselling author of five critically acclaimed novels, The Innocents, River Thieves, The Wreckage, Galore, and Sweetland, as well as five collections of poetry. His novels have won or been shortlisted for many prizes, including the Giller Prize, the Governor-General's Award, the Commonwealth Writers' Prize and the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, and his books have sold more than 225,000 copies in North America. He lives in St. John's, Newfoundland.

Other books by this author at BookBrowse: