Out on 11 February 2027
Synopsis
Is there a numerical solution to the quest for the meaning of life?
A brilliant reworking of the classic Dr Faustus theme by Booker Prize-winning author John Banville, Mefisto focuses on the mathematically gifted Gabriel Swan, who seeks a numerical solution to his quest for order and meaning in life.
With characteristic wit and mesmeric prose, John Banville’s richly imagined novel Mefisto is an ode to philosophy, beauty, and identity.
‘Fable, intellectual thriller, Gothic extravaganza, symbolist conundrum . . . a true work of art’ Sunday Independent
Details
11 February 2027
240 pages
9781035083077
Imprint: Picador
Reviews
“Fable, intellectual thriller, Gothic extravaganza, symbolist conundrum . . . a true work of art”Sunday Independent, Sunday Independent
“Mefisto renders all superlatives woefully inadequate . . . Undisputed master of language, the laconic pause and the blackly comic, Banville is a supreme stylist . . . He is a magician . . . Another expectedly astonishing and very daring display from this richly, almost wickedly, gifted artist”Time Out, Time Out
“An excellent novel, beautifully written. the sort of thing you have to read more than once – wonderful stuff”Punch, Punch
“Few writers in Ireland today can arouse such expectation by the advent of a new novel . . . A profound beauty of words . . . Banville’s great enterprise does not falter . . . read Mefisto straight through; it deserves it”Irish Times, Irish Times
